Eagle vs. Shark
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.34 You Save: $25.65 (86%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $3.47 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Eagle vs. Shark
Movie Review: An eccentric love story
Summary: 5 Stars
Eagle vs Shark is reminiscent of quirky films like Harold and Maude and blends together the sensibilities of Napoleon Dynamite - Like, the Best Special Edition Ever! and Me and You and Everyone We Know with oddball outsiders that lead colourful lives. Eagle vs Shark doesn't follow the traditional narrative beats and instead follows its own unique rhythm. Director Taika Waititi gives his film all kinds of personal touches that separate it from other motion pictures. It helps that the film is set in a specific locale with actors who don't try to mask their accents and this adds to the motion picture's exotic appeal. Eagle vs Shark has a hand-made feel and employs old school stop-motion animation in a way that evokes the work of Director's Series, Vol. 3 - The Work of Director Michel Gondry. It is one of the many joys of watching a film so obviously made outside of the studio system with no perfect looking movie stars.
There is a collection of deleted scenes with an optional commentary by writer/director Taika Waititi. A lot of this footage showcases more of Jarrod's relationship with his family. There is also more of Jarrod getting ready for his showdown with a bully. We also see more of Lily interacting with Jarrod's family.
Also included is an "Outtakes" reel featuring the cast blowing their lines as they crack each other up.
The music video for "Going Fishing" by the Phoenix Foundation is a catchy indie song featuring lots of clips from the film.
Finally, there is an audio commentary by Waititi. Early on he gets Loren Horsley on the phone and they talk about an alternate opening credits animation that they ultimately rejected. They also point out all of their friends that populate the backgrounds of various scenes. Waititi recounts several filming anecdotes, delivering a very personable commentary for a very personal film.
Movie Review: Lillies!
Summary: 5 Stars
This little gem of a movie opens with sweet, imperfectly beautiful Lily acting out her fantasy of how she and her put upon, and more than occasionally brutish, would be beau (Jemaine Clement - "Flight of the Conchords") might one day come together as both friends and lovers.
Not long after we are introduced to the object of Lily`s affection.
Jarrod (Clement) is actually something of a clod. Ungainly, socially awkward, and by his own admission a "reformed" (ah-hem) nerd, just what Lily sees in him is anyone`s guess. But Lily, herself, is sold, and what follows are their adventures in no less than learning how to both give and be accepting of less than perfect love and the simple joys of both family and companionship.
Loren Horsley, giving Lily both an open heart and an infectious, if curiously twisted up smile, is simply wonderful. Her beautiful eyes, as pale and blue as the surrounding sea, look on at both Jarrod and the wide world around her seemingly without measure.
Clement, by comparison, is nowhere near as likable - Jarrod can be both a blowhard and a bully - and he`s got a simply awful haircut to boot. But that`s alright. Neither he nor what once upon a time happened to him really matter all that much because, when it comes down to it, Eagle Vs Shark is Lily`s story, not his.
Wonderfully acted with quite clever (and sometimes all too believable) dialogue, this one is a rare find.
Of note to the just curious, the 'camping scene' was filmed in Whitireia Park, Wellington, New Zealand. The sea is actually Titahi Bay.
Highly recommended - as is much of the soundtrack. 5 Stars.
Movie Review: Eagle vs. Shark - Foreign Napoleon Dynamite?
Summary: 5 Stars
Charming Quirkiness , is what comes to mind for me when I think of this movie; I loved it and fell in love with the characters right away.
This film is a bit sad - not in the "tragic" sense - but in the "people have difficulties" sense. Which does not diminish its charm.
The heroine, Lily, is adorable, lovable and memorable; the picture of forgiveness and patience. I particularly loved the relationship between she and Damon, her brother.
Jarrod, the other main character, is a bit funny and more than a bit weird, which is where the quirk comes in.
Part of the charm is the "not in America" feel of the film. You know, where the characters are the main focus, plot is something to work on and the snapshots of another country.
Jarrod is a doof and resembles an angrier, oafish, Napoleon Dynamite.
The differences between the two characters are age, nationality...New Zealand and a revengeful spirit.
This is also more adult in content than Napoleon D.
I would highly suggest this film to those who like Irish or British comedies.
Movie Review: I loved it, but I can see how it's not for everyone
Summary: 5 Stars
Comedy isn't absolute. Not everyone enjoys the same thing. With that said, I enjoyed this movie enough to buy it, watch it, re-watch it, and spread the word to friends. I've been told I have a warped sense of humor, so that may have played a roll in my enjoyment of this film and others' comments about the film.
I had to laugh when I read another reviewer write, "I could have done without the scene where the protagonist beats a wheelchair-bound rival with nunchuk sticks."
It's the type of movie that you have to watch more than once. The first time you watch this movie you'll get caught up in the plot, and the second time you'll catch the subtle humor that you missed the first time.
Everyone seems to compare this film to ND, but, in my opinion, this movie is much better all around. If you like FOTC type humor (deadpan) you will probably like this film. Plus, it has a great soundtrack. Worst case, you can take a break from watching Will Ferrel, Steve Carell, Ben Stiller, and similar comedians for a few hours and try something new. Who knows, you might like it!
Movie Review: Seeps into one's heart.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you love the 'underdog', this movie is for you. Nerdy Lily loves the nerdy Jarrod, but he doesn't realize Lily exists, other than to take his burger order. I loved the relationship between Lily and her brother Damon, which was the complete opposite of how Jarrod and his verbally abusive sister treat each other. Lily returns with Jarrod on a visit to his hometown to help him bring closure to a couple past events haunting Jarrod; a bully and the death of Jarrod's older brother. The fight scene between Jarrod and the bully was completely unexpected, but I loved the writer's 'shock treatment' on his audience. When Jarrod finally realizes that Lily is perfect for him it is a wonderful moment. We also get the sense that he's come to terms with his struggle to please his dad and the futile attempts to get out of his big brother's haunting shadow. A sort of 'coming-of-age' story in the adult years, mixed with a bit of a bizarre love story. Excellent!
Chrissy K. McVay - Author