Though there are frequent moments of wit and mordant humor, Eagle vs Shark needs more to distinguish itself from other precious, Napoleon Dynamite-ish comedies.
Though there are frequent moments of wit and mordant humor, Eagle vs Shark needs more to distinguish itself from other precious, Napoleon Dynamite-ish comedies.
Two lonely misfits embark on a bizarre journey of romance and revenge after bonding at a "come as your favorite animal" costume party in Academy Award nominee Taika Waititi's quirky romantic comedy. Jarrod (Jemaine Clement) is a clerk at the local electronics store. Lily (Loren Horsley) is a shy cashier who earns her keep at the local Meaty Boy. After getting fired from her job, an emboldened Lily determines to put on her favorite shark costume, shed her inhibitions, and attend Jarrod's annual
"come as your favorite" animal bash. In the following days, a tentative romance begins to develop between Lily and Jarrod, and when Jarrod announces plans to travel back to his hometown and seek revenge on an old nemesis, Lily decides to follow along for the ride. As Jarrod begins to set his diabolical plan into motion, Lily finds herself stranded in an unfamiliar new town and surrounded by a disorienting collection of eccentrics. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Yes, the nerdy loser thing has been done to death, but writer-director Taika Cohen brings surprising depth to this film...Napoleon Dynamite dreams of being this movie.
So the only real argument I can make for Eagle vs. Shark, a stupid-absurdist comedy from New Zealand, is that I laughed a lot, often despite myself, and that while I might not be able to wholly justify it, I can mount a questionable defense.
Eagle vs. Shark might have seemed amusingly original, albeit in a self-consciously quirky, indie-movie kind of way, if Napoleon Dynamite didn't already exist.
Funny and very, very sweet! Sort of a Romeo & Juliet for nerds (like me!)
January 6, 2009
Randy Tippy
Super Reviewer
A sweet, touching and very funny film. Jemaine Clement plays the nerd with issues really well but Loren Horsley really steals the show as Lily. Highly recommended.
No quotes approved yet for Eagle vs. Shark. Logged in users can submit quotes.
Submit a Quote from 'Eagle vs. Shark'
A quote can be a single line from one character or a memorable dialog between several characters. Please make your quotes accurate. Quotes will be submitted for approval by the RT staff.
Example:
Luke: Alright. I'll give it a try. Yoda: No. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.
64%
——
97%
Top Critic
