The Hunt For the Wilderpeople

And this week's Friday night movie has been... The Hunt For the Wilderpeople!

Original image located here. Accessed 3rd April 2020

I've had many people recommend me this movie so here we are: The little New Zealand movie that could.

So what this is really is a chase movie: Two protagonists on the run from the law and bonding as they do so. So what makes this one different? Well, the chemistry from the two leads, the fact that this chase takes place across bushland and an all-too quirky sense of humour that only the Kiwis can provide. Some beautiful shots of New Zealand scenery at it's best doesn't hurt either.
I thought I knew what to expect from Taika Waititi following Thor Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit but apparently not. And that's a good thing

Jojo Rabbit

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Jojo Rabbit!

Original image located here. Accessed 7th February 2020

Okay seriously I want to know what pitch was used to green-light this movie. I guess Taika Waititi had built enough credit through the success of Thor Ragnarok that he is allowed to do whatever he wants - truly the ultimate goal of any filmmaker.

I should point out that my preferred brand of comedy is 'pitch black' and there is certainly a lot of it on display here. But scratch that surface and the true intent of the movie is revealed: It has a lot to say about hate and being brainwashed into it.
But at the end of the day, this movie is funny, bizarre, horrific and honest all at the same time. A tricky balancing act to be sure but, in a way, it succeeds.

One point of concern however - or for me at least - is that Waititi may have pinched my idea: In 2018 I worked on manuscript about a guy with an imaginary friend - one who is leading the guy down a wrong path and is ultimately overcome. Now it would seem this movie has prompted a rethink on my part...