Hunt for the Wilderpeople

We've all seen the 'rights of passage' films before--just look into Hollywood's past and one can revel in some of the gems that have been produced. The list can go on forever, but suffice it to say they are usually stories that teach us something all the while entertaining us. Case in point: "Hunt for the Wilderpeople", a small independent film delving into the lives of a New Zealand couple trying to raise a new problematic spoiled city kid. Can this even happen?

Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid, Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella (Rima Te Wiata), the cantankerous Uncle Hec Faulkner (Sam Neill), and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the lam in the wild bush territory of New Zealand. As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family. As they are out in the bush, they meet several different people--both good and bad. Can they survive the wilderness or is surviving the odd individuals more overwhelming?

Others to round out the cast are Rachel House as Paula, Oscar Knightley as Andy, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne as Kahu, Stan Walker as Ron, Rhys Darby as Psycho Sam, Mike Minogue as Joe, Cohen Holloway as Hugh, Troy Kingi as TK and Taika Waititi as Minister.

This was directed with an edge by Taika Waititi ("Eagle vs. Shark" '07, "Boy" '10, "What We Do in the Shadows" '14) plus TV and shorts. I say edge because these characters have this sense of urgency and loss given their respective situations. This aspect certainly delineates this director from others. He will go far. It was also well written by Waititi. Since he directs what he writes, he definitely has a better handle on what his characters are all about. I believe what makes this 'rights of passage' film different than its counterparts is the way this writer was able to slowly convey the change of his characters so they seemed more real. This story actually starts with a typical storyline: inner city spoiled kid gets thrown into the hands of some oddball people since he doesn't fit in with the normal people, and as he learns to fit in with these people, the transition is anything but easy. Sound familiar? But then the story starts to take a different turn and things get a little more dicey and the one's that didn't see eye to eye start, slowly, seeing things in a different light. The slowness at the beginning of the film was, most likely, written purposely that way to set the stage for its audience. Other than a couple of very small places of choppiness, this script was cohesive, tight and all the while adventurous and entertaining.

If you're into a storyline that's rife with oddball characters and an interesting premise all located in a lush and beautiful landscape, this film will be a visual feast. And as far as a 'rights of passage' film, this has got to be one of the best I've seen in a while.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                  Rated: PG-13                                  101mins.