EAGLE VS SHARK Director: Taika Waititi Starring: Jemaine Clement, Loren Horsley, Brian Sergent Out now, 87 mins
Synopsis: Jarrod, a true nerd, falls for Lily after her success in a video game tournament at his ‘dress as your favourite animal’ party. Jarrod soon tells Lily of his quest to exact revenge upon the high school bullies who ruined his teenage years and she joins him as he returns to his hometown to fulfil his destiny.
E
agle Vs Shark is a beautifully produced comedy brought to us by Taika Waititi, who both wrote and directed the movie. Jemaine Clement of ‘Flight of the Conchords’ fame, stars as Jarrod, whose obsessions range from playing video games to an intense level, to making somewhat unique candles. Although Lily and Jarrod’s relationship is not always straightforward
(though it is always hilarious), the love story between the two is beautifully constructed and is simply a joy to watch. The film has a Napoleon Dynamite feel to it, and is an absolute must for all who enjoy nerdy comedies, as this film is the epitome of this genre. The soundtrack too, which ranges from Devandra Banhart to the Stone Roses, is impeccable and perfectly accompanies the film. All the films actors, as well as the director, hail from New Zealand, making this an Indie film of entirely Kiwi origins. That it gained an official selection in the prestigious Sundance film awards this year is testament to both the cast and crews considerable talents. Eagle Vs Shark is both written and directed by Taika Waititi, who directed the short film ‘Two Cars, One Night’ in 2003 which earned him an Academy Award Nomination, and this talented director has produced yet another fantastic film which should see him earn the plaudits of both fans and critics. Quite simply, this film is a mustsee, and I have absolute confidence that you will not see a better romantic comedy this year. Or ever. RICHARD BROWN
SUPERBAD Dir: Greg Mottola Starring: Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse Star Rating: 3/5
Synopsis: Superbad tells us the story of two best friends as they desperately try to change their luck with the ladies in their last few weeks together before heading their separate ways to college.
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lthough this film is very funny at times, it could have been so much better. Chris Mintz-Plasse makes an excellent debut as Fogell the school’s uber-nerd, and the banter between the two main characters is fantastic. However, as the film progresses it becomes unnecessarily emotional and melodramatic when in all honesty, if it had focused more on making me laugh, it could have been one of the films of the summer. Jonah Hill gives another good performance and looks as though he will feature in many American teen comedies for years to come, excelling as he does in the lead role he is given. The film is also too long, touching on 2 hours, and would probably have benefited from cutting out some scenes that added little to the movie. RICHARD BROWN
40 / film@gairrhydd.com