emma bowles
I don't actually remember the last time I gave a movie 10 out of 10. I certainly wasn't expecting to feel this way after the usual pre-judgement I give on films after seeing their IMDb rating which I have to get out of. A friend had told me to see this for ages, a friend who is a huge fan of Taika Waititi. I had seen Boy which I liked, but I have to say I enjoyed Eagle vs. Shark a LOT more. Perhaps it's because I really related to the story and found it hilarious, sweet and heartbreaking all at the same time. The characters are misfits and nerds, but accentuated for the purpose of the film - however not making it contrived. You start to really care for the characters and empathise with them greatly. Loren Horsley (Lily) is wonderful at playing a shy, awkward and innocent girl who has a crush on the magnificently stylish *cough* Jemaine Clement (Jarrod). This is possibly my favourite on-screen romance in a film, along with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Lost in Translation. The way Taika Waititi plays on human quirks, tenderness and embarrassing elements to people's personalities is utter genius. His style of filmmaking is what I would call the opposite of pretentious, and has the ability to bring both joy and tears to the viewer. This is what happened to me when I watched this film. Do not pass it by.
Tim Kerr-Thomson
As has been stated before this is in effect the story of the relationship between a man and a woman in country New Zealand. It would be kind to describe them as social misfits. However, in reality, they appear to be people, who whilst ostensibly kind, who have very low I.Q's. Their ignorance of life then presents situations and issues. These situations are sometimes dramatic, never comedic, but always pitiful. This is not just the situation with the main characters, but all the supporting roles have the same faults. The creators of this movie are New Zealanders. I do not know if the underlying theme of this movie is a asocial commentary on rural New Zealand. In making that comment it is in no way meant to be offensive to New Zealanders. It is just that any intended statement in the film in that regard is lost on outsiders. I also gain the impression that the film lost its way and did not know what it wanted to be; drama, comedy etc...Unfortunately the film is to depressing and pitiful to watch or enjoy.
catalinignat
First, great story - brilliant strip of characters to raw emotions, simplicity and beauty.Second, surprisingly acting from Loren Horsley, virtually unknown to me. She manages to transmit such powerful emotions with just her bright and peacefull eyes.And third, great directing, and great musical arrangements. This movie reveals gradually characters and raw human emotions at a brilliant pace, and you will find loving not only each of the characters but the whole frame in the end.Worht mentioning the animated sequences, used with caution and revealing delightful metaphors.
Paulo Corceiro
If you're depressed or feeling blue, this is the movie for you! A story about two nerds falling in love leads to a series of crazy situations. Each one of the characters contains a surprise factor and some of them just are too much! The movie reminds me of "Cashback" in some points but without the stylish soundtrack. This could be considered a typical Sundance movie with a simple script and really good Art Direction ideas on the extreme kitsch side. Sometimes it's possible to feel Douglas Coupland whispering something about the unwanted adult life or Monthy Phiton screaming loud. In the end, a wonderful and creative piece of art!
AD
