SummaryFrom New Zealand comes a wickedly offbeat love story - a funny, fractured romance between two total misfits, woven into an all-consuming quest for revenge, and shot through with the strange, sweet hilarity of the human condition. (Miramax Films)
Directed By:Taika Waititi
Written By:Loren Taylor, Taika Waititi
Eagle vs Shark
Metascore
Mixed or Average
55
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
55
48% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
48% Mixed
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
80
So quirky that it’s almost in danger of collapsing under the weight of its own antic whimsy at times, but a comic delight destined for cult adoration.
75
With an often very funny story line that eventually touches on parental disappointment and suicide, it's clear that, his debt to Hess and Wes Anderson notwithstanding, Waititi has learned a thing or two from fellow antipodean Jane Campion as well.
User score
Generally Favorable
6.8
69% Positive
20 Ratings
20 Ratings
21% Mixed
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
10% Negative
3 Ratings
3 Ratings
Nov 20, 2021
10
Although its not entirely the same, I did think that this movie reminded me quite alot of the movie Napoleon Dynamite. The characters in this movie are post high school age but personality wise, the characters are quite similar and the story is about giving an insight into what make these people tick, so to speak. Its quite a slow movie I suppose and normally I would have thought it would bore me after a certain time had elapsed but I did quite enjoy this movie actually. There isn't any action or sudden plot twists or anything like that really but the movie is quite intriguing, giving an insight into these characters and the world they live in, what makes Lily so keen on Jarrod and why is it that he seems to have so much pent up anger? are there things about his family that aren't what they seem from the outset?. The actors/actresses used I thought were particularly good, they seemed to portray their characters very well, both looking and sounding as quirky as the script clearly made them out to be. It was quite nice to see how Lily, at one point, really came out of her shell when she joined Jarrods family at a small local party. The interaction between both Lily and Jarrod is quite good, so yes I think the cast and performances were particularly good in this movie. I'm not sure what else I can say about the movie, though it is quite an 'indie' movie, compared to other similar movies, I'm quite keen on this one, I thought it was intriguing and enjoyed watching it, its maybe a bit slow but it isn't unnecessarily long either at just under an hour and a half running time. Yes, I would recommend this movie. Its quite intriguing, it kept me watching until the end and I particularly liked the character potrayal. Its probably not for everyone, some people might find it pretty boring or if your not keen on Aussie/NZ accents then this won't be for you obviously but otherwise I'd recommend it.
Sep 16, 2017
9
Esta es una de las mejores películas que he visto, con un humor negro y bastante nerd, El rol de Lili es fantástico, se puede aprender un montón de las actitudes de esta chica. La peli sin embargo tiene mucho de Napoleón Dinamita.
70
This debut feature, occasionally arch but consistently affecting, shares the deadpan esthetic of "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Ghost World."
60
It's a perfectly cheerful time at the movies, without any hint of drama or surprise.
50
This is the kind of movie in which Jarrod's nemesis turns out to be paraplegic, while his dad lives in a wheelchair despite the fact that he can walk just fine. Ha.
42
It's a tale that reduces angst, not to mention love, to a generational tic.
30
You can't see the forest for the twee in writer-director Taika Waititi's thicket of cutesy conceits, from the stunted supporting characters to the precious animated interludes.
Feb 4, 2016
9
Much like the awkward animal courtship this fairy tale story presents, Eagle vs Shark well display as confusing for some. It may be hard to understand and it's frustrating that the two protagonists don't click immediately, the sentimental message of two humans wishing to act anything is weaved beautifully however as you watch them flock and fade apart and form back together again. It's mesmerising, like a hilarious documentary about an unlikely bond which in turn becomes more likely as you go deeper into their pasts. Taika Waititi is a craftsmen of the bizarre.
Apr 7, 2012
9
The only thing that makes this movie similar to Napoleon Dynamite is its socially awkward characters. Beyond that, this movie is deeply endearing and has a heart. Loren Horsley was especially good in her portrayal of an emotionally shielded character who only dropped those shields with the one person she truly trusted with her feelings -- her brother. I found her character and performance touching and thought that it carried the movie above and beyond just being a story about awkward characters. Without the emotional presence her performance brought, I would have just found most of the characters pathetic and the movie on par with Napoleon Dynamite.
Jan 24, 2023
8
One of the funniest and best-made comedies I've watched in a long time is without a doubt this one! The heart of Shark vs. Eagle lies in its deliciously awkward yet brilliantly funny scenarios, complemented by odd but endearing characters. I must tip my hat to the film's writer/director Taika Cohen for achieving such comical and dramatic timing. While many contemporary comedies share the same awkward humour (such as Napoleon Dynamite and The Life Aquatic), Shark vs. Eagle succeeds where some of those movies failed because of the characters' genuine, innocent feelings. The infantile emotions that the movie so masterfully evokes are then aesthetically portrayed by some purposely simple stop-motion animation.
Jan 16, 2013
8
This movie is so good. It is shot without any budget and it was so fun and dry black comedy. It makes me think about Napoleon Dynamite but a lot better and touching.
Jul 27, 2023
7
A whimsical and charming romantic comedy with a solid script and some fun performances. Eagle vs. Shark succeeds in its simplicity, even if the best of Taika Waititi was yet to come.
Production Company:
- New Zealand Film Commission
- Unison Films
- Whenua Films
Release Date:Jun 15, 2007
Duration:1 h 28 m
Rating:R
Tagline:Opposites. Unattractive.
Awards
New Zealand Film and TV Awards (II)
• 1 Win & 3 Nominations
Newport International Film Festival, Rhode Island
• 2 Wins & 2 Nominations
US Comedy Arts Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
