Eagle vs. Shark

By Mal -

7 out of 10

A comedy so gentle that, at times, it almost fades into the background, this Kiwi film is nonetheless a pleasant way to spend an hour and a half. I've seen it likened to Napoleon Dynamite quite a few times, but the elements they share (characters with a childlike, limited self-awareness) are arguably less than those that set them apart.

The film follows Lily, a socially awkward girl with a crush on Jarrod, one of her customers in a burger bar, from their first real meeting to their subsequent relationship ups and downs. Jarrod himself isn't exactly in with the in-crowd, despite thinking more highly of himself. Anyway, things bounce along gently enough throughout, with both characters going on something of a journey of self-enlightenment.

Interspersed with the understated dialogue and general oddness are small stop-motion animation sequences that further lend the film an extra helping of quirky charm. Perhaps the most charming feature, however, is the performance of Loren Horsley, playing Lily. She was an absolute delight and had me rooting for her from the very first scene. Wonderful.

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