Eagle vs Shark (2007)

I loved Hunt for the Wilderpeople and I am now a huge fan of Thor because of Thor: Ragnarok (and Chris Hemsworth, but don't tell Chris Evans I'm cheating on him) so I thought I'd give a chance to Taika Waititi's directorial debut, Eagle vs Shark. 

The film follows Lily (Loren Horsley), a sweet but shy and socially awkward fast food worker who is having a major crush on Jarrod (Jemaine Clement), an arrogant geek who works as a store clerk. She finally gets the opportunity to spend time with him when he kind of invites her to a "dress as your favourite animal" party. They eventually hook up and Jarrod convinces Lily to bring him back to his hometown so that he can get revenge on the bully that picked on him in high school.

The story is very simple as it doesn't have any complex nor complicated plot nor has mind-blowing twists, but it's a very sweet, funny, heartwarming and heartbreaking story about two people, two misfits, who are absolutely perfect for each other. It isn't only an awkward love story though, it is also about family relationship issues —these are handled particularly well, not through dialogue but body language—, self-discovery and self-confidence.

The most charming aspect of the script though isn't the story but the characters. Both the female and male lead are socially inept characters, but it's because of their quirks and awkwardness that you fall in love with them and fell genuinely sad when they drift apart. Lily is the awkward but nice girl next door. She is incredibly sweet, especially when she interacts and bonds with Jarrod's family, and equally likeable, and she also has quite an emotional resilience, which is to be admired. Jarrod is a self-obsessed jerk who cares only about himself, he does whatever he wants and doesn't care if someone —Lily— gets hurt in the process. Despite his negative traits, Lily sees the good in him, even when nobody else does, specifically Jarrod's own family. Eventually, you see the good in him too and, although he's an unlikeable jerk most of the time, you wish they'll end up together in the end. These two are the kind of romantic comedy characters you care so much about to the point you hurt when they break up.

Miramax Films

The acting is also pretty solid. Loren Horsley does very well at playing the shy, awkward, innocent girl and there's something about her —her expressive eyes, maybe, or her crooked smile— that you instantly feel Lily's need to be loved. Ultimately, she is so charming and convincing, you really root for her. Jemaine Clement gives a hilarious performance as Jarrod, the rude, very unsympathetic and pathetic geek.

Clement's performance isn't the only fun part in Eagle vs Shark. The film is indeed filled with a quirky, weird, a bit awkward deadpan humour. It's very enjoyable if you like the kind, and some lines, you will laugh your head off because of how funny they are.

The film also has a beautiful cinematography, some visually striking scenes, a nice soundtrack and, most of all, a wonderful and charming stop-motion animated sequence —some sort of short film that mirrors Lily and Jarrod.