Watch Nowhere Boys - The Book Of Shadows

Nowhere Boys - The Book Of Shadows is a 2016 Australian sci-fi adventure film directed by David Caesar and written by Tony Ayres. It features the return of the four protagonists from the preceding Nowhere Boys TV series - Felix (Dougie Baldwin), Andy (Joel Lok), Sam (Rahart Adams) and Jake (Matt Testro). The movie is a sequel to the series and picks up six months after the events of the season 2 finale.

The story revolves around the four friends who discover that their return from an alternate universe at the end of season 2 has brought with it a significant shift in reality. The boys are confronted with a new world where they are no longer the only ones with magical powers. The discovery of an ancient book of spells - known as the ‘Book Of Shadows’ - adds a new dimension to their quest to return things to normal. However, in order to do so they must first figure out why the book needs protecting from a mysterious group of people and what the connection is with their missing friend, Oscar.

As the boys try to find answers, they are repeatedly thwarted by the strange occurrences around them. They discover that the book contains a powerful spell that can summon a ‘dark force’ and that it was created by Oscar's ancestors who were Wugulukaba - a group of indigenous people who the boys visited in an alternate universe. The evil force from the book begins to take over members of the group and the boys are forced to confront the dangerous entity before it consumes them all.

The story unfolds with a balanced mix of suspense, humor, and teenage drama. The chemistry between the characters is one of the highlights of the movie. Each of the characters is given enough screen time to show their individual strengths and weaknesses. Felix, who serves as the heart of the group, is the one who takes the lead in uncovering the mystery behind the magical book. Sam, who starts off as somewhat of a lone wolf, comes into his own as he discovers his own powers and becomes a valued member of the group. Andy, who is still dealing with feelings of abandonment from his dad, provides the comic relief throughout the movie. Jake, who struggled to fit in during the TV series, seems to have found his place within the group and serves as a loyal friend and protector.

The special effects are impressive, and the cinematography captures the eerie and magical tone of the film. The use of practical effects lends the movie a gritty and grounded aesthetic that makes the world feel believable despite its fantastical elements. The locations, too, are well-chosen and lend themselves to the otherworldly mood of the story. The compelling storyline adds a layer of complexity that makes the movie more than just a teen drama with superpowers.

One of the themes that the movie explores is the idea of acceptance and diversity. It is implied that the magical powers that the boys possess are tied to their cultural background. Felix has Indigenous Australian origins, Andy is of Chinese descent, Sam comes from a mixed-race family, and Jake is of European heritage. This inclusivity is an important message for a movie aimed towards younger audiences.

Overall, Nowhere Boys - The Book Of Shadows is a well-crafted movie that is a worthy continuation of the Nowhere Boys universe. The pacing is brisk, the story is compelling, and the characters are likable. It is a movie that will appeal to teens who enjoy science fiction and the supernatural but also has universal themes that will resonate with all ages. It is a movie that honors its roots while also pushing the boundaries of what a teen sci-fi movie can be.