Eagle vs Shark 2007

Unexpected and NZ Proud

 4

Speaking as person who lives in NZ, has never been interested in watching FotConchords and had never even heard of this movies release before it was given to me as a birthday present i have to say i am proud to be a New Zealander after viewing. Yes - its similarities to Napolean Dynamite can be frustrating at times but with such great acting Clement and Horsley present on screen should it matter? I thoroughly enjoyed everything from the obvious New Zealand beauty landscape to the fresh, relaxing tunes of The Phoenix Foundation. Definitely a Taika Waititi fan now - Thanks :)

By Kayla

Not the Best, but definitely Worthwhile seeing

 3

It's high time that a 'contemporary' comedy film come from NZ. We've been so behind the times with comedy that E v S is a first in decades. And yes, it's no different from many other quirky films, but Napoleon Dynamite is not the first either, as there are plenty of quirky comedy Indie films that came before. The fact of the matter is that this is a first for US in NZ - finally we're catching up with the times. Whether we like the humour or not, the director still took risks and pushed the boundaries of dorkism and geekism - and that's a good thing because us kiwis play it too safe and too bland.

You also have to remember, it's a Maori dealing with comedy and humour for once instead of depicting wailing funeral scenes - and that's got to be a good thing to show the versitilty and other aspects of being Maori. I was really glad not to see a tangi or anyone getting bashed - instead it's a good old laugh and a total piss take, it's supposed to be over the top and silly.

Although I prefer my movies with heavier substance, there is always a place for these kinds of movies too.

By the way Anonymous, that's terrible about your dad, why don't you get in touch with the makers? Ring the NZFC to get a hold of them.

By Masha

what a joke

 1

ok this simple movie typically nz was made in my dads backyard at 38 owhiti st, titahi bay porirua. they did not even give my dad anything to use the property cheap wanks. and i watched them make it and i just thought if this is what it takes to make a film then i could win a bloody oscar for my making a film.

By anonoymous

the power of love

 4

an engaging movie occupationally misplaced girl falls for immature geek and loves him enuf to let him grow up

By helena

See this film if you want a very simple laugh (maybe a couple even)

 2

I have revisited people's comments of this film with interest as I reviewed it early on (from its premiere night). It would seem that there are many of us with the same opinion regarding this film which has an inflated reputation due to way too much media hype.
I agree with reviewers Andy and Simon, especially Simons perceptive comment that we need to be more objective when reviewing a Nu Zilnd film than just loving it because we are being patriotic and supportive of home-made products. The reason I was most disappointed was because I really expected it to be funny and wanted it to be funny but it just didn't deliver. There was so much more that could have been done better.
With Flight of the Concords now gracing our screen on Prime I can see how Jemaine Clement didn't have to extend himself as an actor for EVS. The character he plays in the film seems an extension of his tv character, showing that he does droll very well. The FotConcords exudes much more potential that this feeble film. At the very least, FOTConcords has a vague storyline evident in the last 2 episodes even if somewhat akin to the Extras show plot.
And I know this even if I am somewhat immature for my age.

By Kat

WOW i tell you WOW

 5

EVS is so well executed! had the theatre buzzing, a beautiful lil' package of shits n giggles. i rate it over nappy D anyday.

admittedly i can see how ppl give this movie a low rating-but i also think those ppl are stupid. -they're the ones who don't understand why a movie isnt full of fast paced movie action/american comedy or scandal.

By nik

To Nik and Beccy...

 2

Nik: Thank you for calling people like me 'stupid', but I can fully understand the merits of a slow-paced movie. Do you think that a movie is good purely based on its pace and style of comedy?

Beccy: Am I overly mature? Well I'd rather be that than someone who writes: 'freakn awsum movi!'

The only 'foolish foolish suckers' around here are you two. Eagle vs Shark was average, and if both of you saw more films then you would realise that.

By Andy

Ye Gods...

 2

What happened here? A film that I expected to be really funny, stylish, and interesting, turned out to be dull and bland. It wasn't compelling at all, in fact it almost bored me to tears. A few mildly humours moments didn't make up for a directionless mess that was filled to the brim with pretention. This is short film material. Why was it stretched to a feature-length? It was pointless, stilted, and embarrassing.

By Andy

good tyms

 5

freakn awsum movi! in my opinion any1 who didnt like it is overly mature and needs ta lightn up!

By beccy

lol

 5

and laugh out loud i did! Pretty much the whole theatre did with me! Loved when they played horse during the roadtrip! Ive enjoyd playing that car game for years

By hillary

Loved it

 4

Very (bitter)sweet and awkwardly lovely kiwi film - perfect for a first date, especially if you're both geeks :)

By DebXena

Fantastic.

 4

OK, it's far from perfect... but what a fantastic NZ film! A reall winner... when was the last time you laughed like this in a kiwi film? I never have, that alone is enough to warm my cockles.

The acting is terrific... it's a great first film from Taika - delivering on the promise of 2 Cars 1 Night short film. But i would agree, its very Napoleon Dynamite. A NZ Napoleon.

By shelly

Save Your Money

 2

This could be a very fun short film but sadly it went an hour too long and as a result almost killed me. (as this had 5 stars at Rialto) I wish a NZ film was reviewed correctly for a change and not promoted as something wonderful because NZ is a pretty little place.

By Simon

Coorl!

 4

Cum on youse gooys, its coorl!
Us kai-wais dont need obvious pre-canned yanked-up humour when we have the likes of fresh Waititie to show us how the smallest human things can be warmly funny and matter. This film captures something that is true, and uniquely us. Whether NZ audiences are ready to embrace being depicted as drips and dorks is another story...to enjoy you have to admit to it!

By keesh

Toothless Shark, Bald Eagle

 2

Hard to get to grips with the gormless lead characters. not many belly laughs. But the teens in the audience seemed to be having a good giggle. There were a few wry moments, but a jerky film that took a long time to get where it was going, and that was hardly anywhere.

By Antony

average

 2

I really wanted to love this film considering the massive amount of hype it has received before it's first screening. But I have to say, it didn't really deserve it. There were some real laugh out loud moments, but sadly they were few and far between.

Too much quirk and not enough substance. Should have been better considering the talent on board.

By sam

 5

The best movie I've seen this year. I also saw it at the Civic premiere with Taika Waiata, but wondering if I saw a completely different movie to the one to the person reviewing below. Laughed throughout movie, scary how many of the awkward moments I could relate to (none with nunchucks however). Thought Loren Horsley did a fab job, very occasionally the monotone voice a bit OTT but Lilly was wistful, sweet and came across as completely genuine and a good person - great counterpoint to Jarrod (Jermaine) who was hilarious!! Will be going to see again.

By Ruth

Seek a better Geek...

 2

Saw this one on its premier night at the Civic with the director in tow receiving accolades before the screening, with high expectations given his cute and quirky Two Cars, One Night (that requires several viewings to get sub-strata)....
The potential was enormous but right from the outset, it was clear that this was going to be a let down. Jermaine Clement as the main geek made the most of his role and managed to raise a few wry smiles (too far and few between). Loren Horsley was miscast as the Girl Geek, not really convincing me Geek was really in her genes (as did Clement more somewhat). Speaking in a monotone does not make for an authentic geek either.
The biggest let down was the poor script. It all seemed a big build up for nothing (geek seeks revenge on school bully)...with very little direction. No big message in there...no substance, just shifty sleeping bags tricks with the camera, that failed to impress.
Would have been great as a short film as it went on too long going nowhere fast.
Will probably be too in-house to be a hit for overseas cinema goers.
NZ comedy film has not arrived yet...No wonder people left the Civic in droves after the screening, with the director appearing peeved and worried.
We expected better.

By Kat

Best NZ film

 5

Saw this at the Festival - it was brilliant! The best NZ film I've seen... so funny! Its great to see NZ characters & settings like this. Flight of the Conchords is so great also , so good to see Jermaine Clement on the big screen. The girl too was really good.

Recommended!

By Kennedy