Film Review: Eagle vs Shark
Likeable Misfits
Eagle vs Shark is a romantic comedy by New Zealand director Taika Cohen. The romantic part doesn’t contain anything new: girl falls in love with boy; he doesn’t get it but is instead interested in girl’s co-worker; at his party, however, they end up sleeping with each other and start a relationship. Arguments arise; boy dumps girl but after some time realises what an idiot he has been and finally they get back together
What makes this film special are the two lovers. Jarrod, played by Jemaine Clement, is as nerdy as it gets and, of course, works in a video game store. Lily, played by Loren Horsley, is no less of a social disaster. Sacked from her job at a fast food restaurant, she accompanies Jarrod on his trip to his hometown, where he plans his revenge mission against a high school bully. While Jarrod spends his days training for the fight, Lily gets to know his family. Jarrod’s father is filled with bitterness because his wife left him and became a lesbian and because his son is a freak; Jarrod’s best friend calls himself a hacker but accidently reveals a pornographic video on his computer. When the day of the revenge fight has finally come and Jarrod meets his old nemesis, a big surprise is waiting for them all and Jarrod has to make a crucial decision.
The film derives its unique charm from the lovely protagonists, who are idiots in so many ways, but in the end more human than most people. Their dialogues are brilliant; their acting is great. Yes, it might sound snobbish, but watching these awkward Kiwis struggling with their lives so many thousand miles away from the fast-paced world is a very enjoyable experience. One gets up from the sofa with a smile on the face and thinking about Lily’s rather useless but beautiful explanation of life: “You know, life is full of hard bits. But in-between the hard bits are some really lovely bits.”
Trailer on YouTube: