The Finder (2001 TV Movie) User Reviews

A Decent Movie (Possible Spoilers)

[mwendel · 6/10 · 14 January 2004]

This isn't a movie that is going to blow your socks off, but it moves along at a decent enough pace as to not bore you. Simon Westway plays the retired cop who's gone into the people finding business. Using a combination of police tactics, brute force, and a supporting cast of skilled tradesman, he solves the kidnapping of a high-powered construction tycoons daughter. The plot isn't entirely transparent which allows for some intrigue and misdirection, which in turn makes the ultimate discovery of the criminals more interesting and gives a better story.

I personally consider his character's relationships with Rick Davidson (played by Dieter Brummer) and Rebecca Castaldi (played by Anja Coleby) as underdeveloped and under-utilized sub plots that could have been used to give us a deeper sense of Westway's character. These characters are some of the key people in Westway's character's life and I just came away wanting to know more about him and them.

In summary, the acting was average. The story was believable. The scenery down under was nice at times. The film was shot decently; there were probably several opportunities to film some of the flatter scenes in such a way to add more depth to the film (particularly during the scenes where the kidnapped girl makes her escape attempts). There was minimal use of special effects and violence in the movie. This film was a real underachiever; it could have been a lot better.

Worth tracking down!

[info-4083 · 19 February 2005]

A strong Aussie indie thriller that gives you a buzz spotting all the local landmarks around Sydney. For non Aussies, it's just great scenery. Strong feminine lead but the movie stands out as a platform for Simon Westaway to strut his stuff as a PI, taking on a case he really isn't too excited about. Interesting performance (albeit brief) from Paul Mercurio (Strictly Ballroom) in a baddie role. Look out as well for Rowena Wallace and yesterday's hero, Dieter Brummer (Home & Away). The soundtrack is strong, featuring Kevin Johhnson (for all those who can remember the 60/70's!! Another film from noted Sydney producer, Phil Avalon who among other things, introduced Mel Gibson to the silver screen a long time ago. Well planned, plotted and executed..and worth tracking down (excuse the pun!)

This is a great film. Excellent story, great cast.

[Scollop · 9/10 · 14 February 2010]

The story opens with an ex cop (Simon Westaway) on the balcony of a surf club wondering what to do with his life. As the story unfolds Westaway we learn that he left the force under duress and is having troubles with his girlfriend. With nothing else on offer Westaway decides to set up shop as a FINDER with his office a deck chair on the balcony of the local surf club. When a distressed father turns up to report his daughter has been kidnapped, Westaway is hired to find her. He gets a lead which sees him lured into the underbelly of Sydneys crime world. The story moves along at pace, the performances are top notch and the music by the legendary Kevin Johnson is sensational. I enjoyed this movie and can recommend it.

Right hand drive classic Ford Mustang with plausible script...good flick

[sfumatosprocket · 8/10 · 28 November 2020]

I'm not typically a fan of gun toting slop to make the action...and it's minimal here, because there's enough content not to lean on it. Sure it's low budget and some scenes implausible or not perfectly strewn together, and a bit 'John Wayne-ish of the Outback' formula, but it's a professional film done with effort beginning to end in that quirky Aussie 'rawt mate' way without superfluous flair. And the motive of the crime is nuanced, and itself an interesting dynamic that it has a few moral & ethical messages that so many blockbuster 'shoot em up' movies typically lack.