Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

The Changover is a refreshing young adult film with its relatable portrayal of Laura (the main character), family dynamics and of post-earthquake Christchurch. What stuck out for me is that this film isn't condescending towards teenagers, like many are of the same genre. Instead The Changeover shows how many New Zealand teens live and what things place importance in their lives. What also makes the film so special is the great sound track and cinematography which beautifully mirrors the characters and plot. I would highly recommend The Changeover to both young adults, parents and families.

I took my 12 year old daughter along to the premiere of this wonderful movie and we both loved every minute. It was suspenseful, a bit romantic, empowering and a little creepy. So nice to see a powerful young woman (Erana James) discovering her true self and shining through. Loved Timothy Spall bringing the creep. Was emotional seeing my home town as the location but felt a sense of pride at the same time. I haven't read the book yet but will now. Would definitely watch this again and I don't say that lightly as I dislike watching movies several times.

The Changeover was always going to be a tough film to make. Based on a book by New Zealand's favourite children's writer, Margaret Mahy, The Changeover centres on a very real family, who live in a very real place - post-earthquake Christchurch. Christchurch is another character in this beautifully-shot movie. The jarringly empty sections, the scrappy, pot-holed streets, the containers used as dwellings and business premises, all add to the unsettling feeling as the film unfolds. Miranda Harcourt and Stuart McKenzie use every one of their considerable skills to bring this story to the screen. Brother and sister Laura (Erana James) and Jacko (Benji Purchase) live with Kiwi battler Mum Kate (Melanie Lynskey). Laura has second sight, and fears for her brother's life. Enter the creepy Carmody Braque, played brilliantly by Timothy Spall. Out of the darkness comes help for Laura - a family who share her supernatural gift. Harcourt and McKenzie pull the best out of their cast and crew to make this my 'movie of the year'.

This young adult movie is a must see. The story of teenagers coming of age, and facing the challenges of modern youth. Throw in romance, a broken city - post earth-quake and you have a challenging movie that is watchable from beginning to end. Clever writing and direction, wonderful acting. Don't miss it.