Indie Gems: Hunt for the Wilderpeople

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Not your regular camping trip.

Ricky (Julian Dennison) is a frequently misbehaved young boy bouncing around the foster care system. He's placed with Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and Hector. (Sam Neil) His happiness with them is soon disturbed, and when he and Hector go into the New Zealand bush, a nation wide manhunt is set out to look for them.

My indie theater had this for a few weeks earlier this year and I missed it. The glowing reviews made me regret that. This film has unbelievable heart. It's very much a Waititi film (and honestly, this makes me even more pumped for Thor: Ragnarok even though I'm sure the tone will be different.) There's lots of humor through out, most subtle, some perfectly ridiculous. It covers the harder topics with ease. 

Dennison and Neil are perfectly casts. Both characters are assholes in their own ways, yet vulnerable in others. They play off each other well. Rachel House, playing an over zealous social worker and her appointed police officer, played by Oscar Kightley were welcome additions as well.

The film loses points for dog death though. It was unnecessary and Old Yeller scared me enough with wild bores attacking dogs. Thankfully the film's budget didn't allow this to be graphic.

Grade: A-

Memorable quote: "heh....you said bush." - Ricky (Julian Dennison)

Comments

  1. Courtney YoungNovember 4, 2016 at 10:51 AM

    Yesss! I loved this movie! I'm glad you got to see it, because I feel like it was generally missed by the majority this year! Anything with Sam Neill is magnificent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 4, 2016 at 11:24 AM

      I'm sad I missed it in theaters, my indie one got it here for a little while.

      Delete
  2. UnknownNovember 4, 2016 at 11:20 AM

    So glad you enjoyed this! It might be my #1 for the year at this rate. Thor has always been my favourote Avenger but with Taika Waititi at the helm, Ragnarok is going to be awesome - I hope!
    - Allie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 4, 2016 at 11:23 AM

      I love that Waititi gets to handle elements of Planet Hulk within Ragnarok too. That's going to be amazing.

      Delete
  3. thevoid99November 4, 2016 at 8:41 PM

    I do want to see this as I love What We Do in the Shadows although I should thank you for warning me about the death of a dog. I hate seeing animals killed. It's just too much for me to handle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 5, 2016 at 6:42 AM

      Me too. I was frantically tweeting for someone to tell me what part of the movie it was in, but no responses. It wasn't graphic though, thankfully.

      Delete
  4. Sonia CercaNovember 5, 2016 at 2:41 AM

    I haven't seen this yet, but I'm looking forward to see it because I've been told it's amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. DellNovember 5, 2016 at 5:59 AM

    I've heard nothing but good things about this one. Hopefully, I'll see it soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 5, 2016 at 6:41 AM

      I hope you do too. I watched it with a few family members and we all loved it.

      Delete
  6. Stevee TaylorNovember 7, 2016 at 5:55 AM

    So glad you enjoyed it! Honestly one of the best films to come out of NZ, aside from What We Do in the Shadows. So happy it is doing so well overseas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 7, 2016 at 3:23 PM

      I think Waititi is making a great name for himself in the States. He'll get even bigger with Ragnarok.

      Delete
  7. keith71_98November 7, 2016 at 12:41 PM

    Woo Hoo! Let's celebrate! I'm such a big fan of this movie and I love whenever I see someone praising it. I'm already in the mood to see it again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamNovember 7, 2016 at 3:22 PM

      It's amazing! I wish I would've saw it in theaters.

      Delete
  8. AnonymousNovember 8, 2016 at 10:14 AM

    UGH, I need this movie in my life! Everyone keeps saying how great it is. Maybe I'll drive to redbox tonight :-D

    ReplyDelete

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