Offbeat
without being cutesy, with a great cast. It's another winner from
Waititi.
The story concept isn't exactly ground breaking - a gruff older guy is gradually melted by a kid. Sort of like 'Up', actually, but the dogs don't talk. It's an original take though, and the good-natured feel of it is so strong that it would carry the film all by itself.
The story concept isn't exactly ground breaking - a gruff older guy is gradually melted by a kid. Sort of like 'Up', actually, but the dogs don't talk. It's an original take though, and the good-natured feel of it is so strong that it would carry the film all by itself.
The location helps a lot with this, affording the movie a certain (sorry for using this word, it's not a word anyone should ever really say) quaintness. Sorry, New Zealand. There are plenty of in-jokes, many of which I probably didn't even pick up on, and the contrast between city and bush upbringing gives the two main characters something more to bridge, without it feeling artificial.
I'm not saying this is a masterpiece, it's not perfect. The unrealistic wandering narrative occasionally felt facile as it crossed over into being ridiculous rather than just quirky. The film also sags a bit in the middle (oft a problem with comedies), but I got the impression that it came from a very honest place, and I respect that.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople: 67.9