Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) Review!!!

Synopsis – A national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.

My Take – Remember the time when a film was more concerned about working within the the plot, and was more focused on making sure character building and relationships took center stage and not just sequential explosions and CGI. Going to the theater and seeing a film on the big screen can be such a magical experience, especially when watching a film as poignant and funny as this one. I had read great things about the film online and the reviews were just excellent, prompting me into catching a morning show during a work day (the film released in the U.A.E today), and trust me I could not be happier with that decision. This is, hands down, the one of the best films I have seen this year. This latest film from the ever charming Kiwi director Taika Waititi reminds us again why laugh out gross humor is not necessary to bring a smile on your face. The plot is simple, but realistic especially about how humans interact with each other and the impressions they leave behind. Director Taika Waititi is exceptional at recognizing one essential element of comedy; putting interesting characters into a funny situation and watching how they specifically handle it. It is the laid back humor where you have to listen carefully or you’ll miss the subtle jokes that keeps you involved. After watching this film, it should come as no shock why Taika Waititi is starting to make some real waves in the film making industry. It’s as simple as this – every film he makes, people like. Headhunted by Marvel Studios to helm what will be one of their biggest releases in 2017, Thor: Ragnarok, the talented writer, director and actor duly obliged, and will no doubt bring his unique brand of charm and laugh-out-loud humor to what has been tantalizingly described as an intergalactic road film. Watching this very fine film only solidates his very bright future in Hollywood.

Based on the 1986 book “Wild Pork and Watercress” by author Barry Crump, the story follows Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison), a rebellious young orphan, who’s had trouble finding a home. In an attempt to curb his violent behavior, an enthusiastic Child Care worker Paula (Rachel House) decides to places him with an older couple named Hec (Sam Neil) and Bella (Rima Te Wiata) living in the country. Despite finding his new basic rural surroundings somewhat bewildering, including a gloriously bloody wild pig hunt, Ricky starts to become part of the family as he is showered by Aunt Bella’s practical love and understanding. When Bella suddenly passes away, child services decides that Hec is not a suitable guardian for the boy (on his own). Ricky then decides to run away, into the woods, out of fear he’ll be stuck in a juvenile detention facility. Hec goes looking for him, and child services assumes the boy was abducted by the man. Events are set in motion and without giving anything away, Hec and Ricky inadvertently end up as fugitives and go on the run in the bush, forming an unlikely bond. They meet an assortment of quirky characters each blossoming hilarious moments. Especially playing Psycho Sam the Bush Man (Rhys Darby). Quite similar to the type of characters and wit you should find in a Wes Anderson film. The opening scene sets the tone perfectly, as Ricky carefully surveys his new accommodation and quietly returns to the police car. The tone is reminiscent of director Waititi‘s’ earlier films and manages to stay consistent throughout. Waititi even allowing himself a brief cameo, to great comedic effect. This is a comedy drama with emphasis on the humor with incompetent hunters, crazy bushmen and comical situations. However, framed with underlying sadness and a serious story under pinning the whole endeavor. Director Taika Waititi takes us on a marvellous experience into the nonsensical world in New Zealand of friendship, wilderness survival, and facing up against society. The story is brilliant full of warmth, charm and wit that’s beautifully told over ten hectic chapters which feature a rather strange eulogy (courtesy of a fantastic Waititi cameo), seemingly gigantic CGI wild boar and a climactic car chase that references Thelma & Louise, the film presents a comically heightened world. This may nudge a few of its inhabitants enter caricature territory, but it’s mitigated by a strong sense of warmth, sweetness and humanity pervading the entire film. At the beginning when Ricky meets his foster parent he first meets his Aunt Belle who he likes straight away with her whimsical characteristics. His ‘Uncle Hec’ however doesn’t much like him. In terms of character development its progressive much like the story as we learn about ‘Uncle Hec’ who shows to be a man who likes his space we learn about Ricky and the fact that he has to recite some Haikus that he writes himself that he says aren’t particularly great but these make the character very likable and add a huge amount of human touch. What enthrals the heart of the film is the nonstop laugh out loud humour that will have you without break, but also the touching bond formed between our two heroes Heck and Ricky. It’s extremely refreshing when a comedy allows facial expressions of shock and frustration tell the story and release some of the best laughs.

The humor stems from baffling moments of exaggeration from the characters. Rima Te Wiata‘s Bella exudes cartoonish provincialism while Rachel House‘s child services stooge is layered with Dahlian villainy.While eluding authorities, the duo always seem to come across the same trio of hunters (Walker, Minogue and Holloway) who are craven for reward money but always wind up looking like fools. One small but well choreographed scene finds Hec and Ricky running away from these men who want to hand them over to the police. They manage to get back into the forest, then decide that the only thing to do to keep them both out of the government system is to survive in the bush. They begin to run away. After two steps of running, Hec’s broken ankle and Ricky’s obesity cause them both to come to a grinding halt, panting like they just sprinted for one hundred meters. After a few seconds of panting, they agree that a “fast walk” would be equally effective then begin their journey again. Waititi‘s previous film, the cult vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows, was complimented by its cast of talented comedic actors and surprisingly gory set-pieces. While Shadows was certainly a riot, it could be argued that it lacked heart. This one certainly doesn’t, and Waititi seems to have an uncanny ability to know just when to inject sentiment into a mix of memorable one- liners, bizarre supporting characters and pop culture references. While the film seems to slightly lose focus towards the Thelma and Louise– inspired climax, it never loses its heart. It’s a near perfect combination of comedy and drama, knowing exactly the right time to switch gears. A lot of this is down to the two central performances. Sam Neill and Julian Dennison are mesmerizing. Its such a pleasure to watch Sam Neill in such great form after a hiatus. The veteran sinks his teeth into the part & brings it out with flying colors. This is his most effective performance in years. Julian Dennison is just brilliant. He chews on the scenery & stands tall against Neill, never getting lost in the middle of a mighty veteran. He’s absolutely terrific & creates an adorable character. I wouldn’t be surprised if both of these scene-stealing performances get recognition in the awards-circuit next year. There is also a fine performance from Rachel House as head of child services Paula, a grotesque woman who seems to have stepped out of the pages of a Roald Dahl book. Her motto is “no child left behind,” but doesn’t seem to grasp the meaning of the words as she takes her job far too seriously and leading the manhunt herself. Rima Te Wiata is likable in a smaller role. On the whole, ‘Hunt For the Wilderpeople’ is funny, heartwarming, immensely entertaining, cleverly edited, brilliantly scripted and perfectly paced, making it one of the best films I have seen this year. If Waititi can bring the same levels of charm and offbeat humor to his Thor 3 next year, it will be one of the most intriguing films of the year and a standout in Marvel‘s already-impressive track record.