Hunt for the Wilderpeople

I've needed to cleanse my movie palette for a while now as this has been, say it with me everyone, the #SummerofBummers. 

Particularly after how disappointing Suicide Squad was, I've been eagerly looking to remind myself just how much fun I can have with an enjoyable film. Normally I'd just watch Kingsman, or Mad Max, or Inception, or something of the like. 

But today I decided that, with a little extra time on a Sunday, I'd go to a highly recommended film from a director who's previous work I adored. Taika Waititi, who was at the helm of the side-splitting What We Do in the Shadows (and will be directing Thor: Ragnorak next) is the mastermind behind Hunt for the Wilderpeople as he wrote the screenplay for it and directed it. I literally knew nothing going into this one -- I hadn't even seen a trailer -- so to say it wasn't quite what I expected would be useless. But I know the man can make me laugh, pretty easily I might add, so I figured that I'd, at the very least, enjoy his newest film. 

Not only did I enjoy it, I loved it. Not that dissimilar to how What We Do in the Shadows made me a believer upon a single viewing, so too did Hunt for the Wilderpeople. It may not be as funny as Shadows -- though I'd argue this is more of a very funny dramedy than an outright comedy -- but it's got heart and a wonderful style. For every disappointing blockbuster this summer, every tentpole since Civil War that's failed to reach expectations, Wilderpeople almost makes up for all of that by delivering one of my favorites of the year thus far and cementing Waititi as one of the best comedic directors in Hollywood right now (good job scooping him up, Marvel!). 

"Drop your weapons!"
"We're not holding any weapons!"
"I said drop em'!"

An absolutely hilarious kid.

To say much about Wilderpeople's plot would kind of ruin the wonderment and mystery that I had going in to it, so I'll keep that brief. A foster child, Ricky, has been bounced around home after home. Finally Child Services of New Zealand finds him a home near the bush (New Zealand's jungle/forest) with an older couple. Long story short, Ricky and the older man, Hec, butt heads and end up going on a forced adventure. Things consistently get a bit crazy, but it's a wild, hilarious, and heartwarming ride. Of course the adventure brings them close together, as is the case with these films, but the journey is what makes this film so special, even if you see the destination coming from a mile away. 

Much like Shadows, Waititi is fantastic at crafting characters. Wildly so, his ability to do this actually reminds me a bit of how stellar Pixar is at doing this with animated characters. For Waititi to be able to do it with live-action is quite a talent, and Ricky and Hec are instantly memorable people that you'll think about after the theater. Ricky is played to perfection by Julian Dennison, who likely has a strong comedic career ahead of him. It's one of the most talented child performances I've seen recently and he confidently and easily co-leads the film. A bearded and somewhat unrecognizable Sam Neill (I didn't know it was him until IMDb-ing the film afterward) is the other lead and he's capable as the grumpy old man. He doesn't get as many comedic beats as Ricky does, and I imagine the role didn't stretch Neill's acting chops too far, but the two have an undeniable chemistry that warms your heart by the time they warm to each other.

Take me back!! [crying face emojii]

Like many other comedies in 2016, and again, much like Shadows, the hit rate for jokes with Wilderpeople is outstanding. I think maybe a single joke fell flat with my audience and that's likely because it was hard to make out the New Zealand accent of Ricky. Otherwise though, this is an expert blend of one-liners and physical comedy with some very funny characters. There were moments where I chuckled and others where I hooted and the film knows exactly when to strike when it comes to laughs. Much unlike its director's predecessor though, Wilderpeople has a bit of a dramatic side as the bond between the two males grows. There are some well-earned moments of sadness and reflection that are rarely undercut by a joke. Instead Waititi does the right thing and lets the funny moments be funny and the sad ones be sad. 

As if the film needed to be better in any other way, it's practically perfect from a technical perspective too. It's got fantastic, gorgeous cinematography of the miraculous New Zealand landscape (I may be biased since NZ is one of my favorite places in the world) and Waititi is quickly establishing a few camerawork tricks that are uniquely his own. In addition, he just had to go and pair the film with an amazing original score and soundtrack accompaniment, thus elevating a film I was already enjoying into the greatness stratosphere.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a fantastic, fantastic film. I enjoyed the hell out of it and have very little to complain about which, if you've been following along this summer, has been rare. It's a special thing when a director like Waititi comes along and crushes two films in a row right out of the park. You can be certain that I'll try to be first in line for his next films and hell, I may just go see Wilderpeople again. 

It's that good. 

CONS:

• Slightly overlong
• Hard to discern what some characters are saying at times because of the thick accents
• The larger plot strokes are somewhat cliched and predictable

PROS:

• Just a funny, funny movie. Practically no jokes fall flat and most of them are awfully funny. Some of the physical comedy is gold too
• Stellar direction by Waititi. One of the most talented comedic (and just all around) directors in Hollywood right now
• Julian Dennison as Ricky gives one of the best -- and funniest -- child performances I've ever seen. He steals the show and you grow to love him
• Sam Neill is a solid anchor as the adult and the two of them have good chemistry
• Heartwarming plot that knows when it should be funny, and when it should not. It earns its dramatic beats
• One of the year's best soundtracks and original scores
• Gorgeous cinematography of the New Zealand landscape
• Entertaining, funny, witty, and just flat out cute, Wilderpeople is one of the best of the year

Rath's Review Score: 9.5/10