THIS IS a fairly decent attempt at producing a biopic of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly and his gang.

But it does make you think that it might have been better for all concerned if they hadn't bothered trying.

The film could have gone one of two ways - either creating a Hollywoodised hero, painting Ned as a Robin Hood-type character, who always did what was right, or showing the gritty reality of someone who was, one suspects, not particularly nice.

Ned Kelly, however, falls between these two and is ultimately unsatisfying as a result.

It is clear that John M McDonagh has attempted to stick to the facts, telling the true story of the Australian outlaw who stood up to police corruption and injustice.

The film doesn't just go from one heroic battle to another, but shows events in a more realistic light, with the gang bumbling into becoming outlaws, with their headstrong natures getting them into hot water.

Although this is to be praised, it doesn't make for great viewing. You can't help wanting to see something stirring and be given heroes who you can get behind and believe in rather than ones you wouldn't want to meet down a dark alleyway.

And on the other hand, the film does slip into mythmaking, particularly in its final epic battle which, one suspects, didn't unfold quite as it appears on screen, and in the casting of Hollywood stars Heath Ledger and Orlando Bloom in the lead roles.

But probably the biggest problem with the film is that, perhaps in trying to cover too much material, it never gets beyond the surface.

A case in point is that final battle, for which the gang recruit the assistance of a circus - suggesting they are planning an A-Team style escape, possibly involving a large tiger and a few clowns. Their motives relating to the circus are swiftly brushed aside and their role is never explained.

As with so much of the film, McDonagh and Jordan would have benefited from having a clearer idea of what elements were key and taking more time over them. The details might mean something to those who are familiar with the legend of the Kelly Gang, but are lost on the rest of us.

The most interesting aspect of the film is the gang's relationships to one another and with such charismatic actors as Ledger and Bloom on board, this was a rich seam which could have been mined to great effect. But once again, the film only scratches the surface of their bonds and doesn't give us enough of a chance to empathise with them or care enough about what happens to them.

This isn't to say that Ned Kelly is a failure. It has a charming cast, some amusing moments and a few good set pieces. But you can't help feeling disappointed because it clearly could have been so much more.

I give it: 6/10

SALLY CHURCHWARD