Eagle vs Shark

New Zealand 2007, 93 minutes
Dir. Taika Waititi
English
Genres: Comedy / Romance

Feat. Jemaine Clement, Loren Taylor (Horsley), Joel Tobeck, Brian Sargent, Craig Hall, Rachel House, Cohen Holloway

Aroview: Wearing its Kiwi heart on its sleeve to delightful advantage, Taika Waititi's skewed romantic comedy managed to please a crowd both here and abroad, and is destined to become a Kiwi classic.

Set in an endearingly uncouth suburbia, Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine Clement is typically charismatic in the role of the conceited, self-deceiving Jarrod, but the show belongs to Loren Horsley, whose note-perfect portrait of the sweetly insecure Lily is one that resonates well beyond its comic parameters. Supported by Waititi's string of creative flourishes (including some deft animated sequences), wonderfully idiosyncratic humour ("Napoleon Dynamite" be damned), and the gorgeous melodies of The Phoenix Foundation, this is one for all New Zealanders, and geeks the world over, to savour.

NZ International Film Festival 2007

Member Reviews

Average rating (Good Enough). Showing 1-3 of 4 member reviews.

I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
3 stars (Good Enough) New Zealand's 'Napoleon Dynamite', the awkward Jermaine Clement, is the undeniable star of the film, bringing both understated and cringe-worthy humour to a very Kiwi backdrop. ~Tom H
I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
1 star (Turkey) Unfunny, just a straight Napoleon Dynamite rip-off. ~dr.strangelove
I find this review offensive! I don’t agree with this review. I agree with this review.
4 stars (Very Good) Wonderful geeky romance about two social misfits, with a real Kiwi flavour. Jarrod and Lily's awkward courtship is both endearing and cringeful, with some real laugh-out-loud (really loud) moments. Great performances by all. ~GenXGirl