A boy (Julian Dennison) and his foster father (Sam Neill) become the subjects of a manhunt after they get stranded in the New Zealand wilderness. Now they must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family.
While there are numerous nods to cultural references only a local audience will appreciate, Ricky and Hec's emotional journey is one which every viewer can climb aboard.
A film about romanticism, respect, acceptance and loyalty, however, it becomes excellent because of the construction of one of the most wonderful characters that modern cinema has given us. [Full review in Spanish]
[Its] sheer good-naturedness pulls off a not particularly inspired crusty-old-coot-thawed-by-young-scamp concept, maintaining an agreeable tonal balance despite occasional wobbles between spoof, sentimentality and silliness.
Director Taika Waititi proves expert in his management of tone, such that the farcical elements, however numerous, don't detract from the very real friendship the renegades develop as they elude the world's most dedicated social services officer.
I can't remember the last time I laughed this much at a movie. This wacky adventure set in New Zealand's wilderness is outrageously funny. It is filled with quirky, compelling characters and witty dialog.
In Hunt for the Wilderpeople by Taika Waititi, lush landscapes of the rainforest of New Zealand counter a sense of humor so toast-dry that it makes the British Ealing comedies of the 1950s seem overripe.
Its whackiness and borderline fantasy might not be for everyone, but there's a universal, childlike appeal to the story that feels too powerful to deny.
