Eagle vs. Shark (DVD)

Eagle vs. Shark is a movie which I should by all means hate. It could most aptly be described as New Zealand's equivalent of Napoleon Dynamite, and is full of the whimsical quirkiness and absolutely random humor I am usually quick to deride movies for. However, something quite strange happened while I was watching it. Writer/director Taika Waititi has crafted a story so charmingly creative, and leads Loren Horsley and Jermaine Clement (who you may recognize from Flight of the Conchords) have embodied characters so likeable and legitimately endearing, I ended up loving this movie.

Eagle vs. Shark treads fairly standard indie water with its story about a budding romance between Lilly (Horsley) and Jarod (Clement), two incredibly awkwardly geeky adults who may as well still be children. At the start of the movie, Lilly loses her job at a fast food restaurant, and Jarod works at a videogame shop, and their relationship blossoms at a "Dress as your Favorite Animal Party". Whereas Napoleon Dynamite and most other movies of its ilk would present everything at face value to manufacture a vapid quirk-fest, Eagle vs. Shark succeeds, because it builds its quirks around the characters, rather than its characters around its quirks.

Lilly and Jarod are two surprisingly deep characters whose quirks are their methods of dealing with past tragedies. This adds an underlying tragic current to the proceedings, but Eagle vs. Shark manages to never lose its sense of humor. Even the stop-motion animated segments which would normally kill a movie likes this are tolerable. Overall, this is an incredibly well-crafted film.

Let's not all forget Eagle vs. Shark also happens to be hysterically funny. I was in stitches for most of its 88-minute duration, and had to rewind quite often because I missed a great deal of lines. Waititi and his cast have mastered the art of awkward comedy, and most of the film's most cringe-worthy scenes are also its funniest. Clement as Jarod, the revenge-driven nerd, is unsurprisingly the funniest member of the cast, but there are no slouches. Every character is hilarious in their own right, all are willing to sacrifice their dignity for laughs. Horsley in particular is incredibly likeable, and very easy to fall for. There are times where you'll hate Jarod for what he puts her through. The humor is surprisingly crass for this kind of movie, creating a sense of maturity sorely lacking from the genre. Some may say it's in poor taste, but I firmly believe it should be applauded. Finally, this is packed with quotable lines which you'll have a good time annoying your friends with*. Quite simply, this is one of the funniest movies of 2007.

Unfortunately, the special features are not as worthwhile as the movie itself. Most of the deleted scenes and The Phoenix Foundation's music video are worthwhile, but the rest are an absolute waste. The gag reel is an unfunny mess, and Waititi's commentary is a train wreck. It's filled with the derivative rambling that makes up most commentaries, and is made even worse by the fact that he deems it necessary to call up clearly unprepared cast members over a bad connection. Thankfully, the movie is special enough on its own.

Eagle vs. Shark is a fantastic movie, and very easy to fall in love. Its quirky style works perfectly, and is bound to keep you entertained at least for rental. It's awkward protagonists form the perfect alternative to typical romantic movies, and practically guarantee you'll look forward to repeat viewings. Not everyone is going to enjoy Eagle vs. Shark's brand of humor, but those who do will love it intensely.

*"Stop calling me cock-hole, bitch."