Eagle vs. Shark Reviews
The Raleigh Ledger
Written by: Stacy Robinson : Source: The Raleigh Ledger
'This is no self-important "misfits are people too" Hollywood fluff piece. Because of the anti-hero nature of the characters, Eagle vs. Shark is a much-needed departure from films made to uphold the Hollywood maxim of holding a mirror up to the audience so that we all might relate to the characters on the screen.
For those of us that aren't so numb of mind that we go to the movies only so we can relate to the characters and wallow in our own solipsism, Eagle vs. Shark is a welcome change to the cinematic landscape in that it entertains the audience instead of constantly seeking its approval.'
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Sundance Review
Written by: Scott Weinberg | Source: Sundance Review
"The humor is fast-paced and character-based, the two leads (Loren Horsley as Lily and Jemaine Clement as Jarrod) are nothing short of hilarious, and there's a real rustic air of reality to be found in Eagle vs. Shark. OK, maybe it's more of a tongue-in-cheek hyper-reality, but it's pretty obvious that this movie comes from a sincere and authentic place ... plus it's just reassuring to know that there really is someone out there for everyone; you just have to keep plugging away and believe in yourself, no matter how goofy and awkward you might feel."
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Los Angeles Times Review
Written by: Carina Chocano | Source: Fandango.com
"Horsley and Clement are completely convincing as the dorkiest people for miles — she talks as though she's trying to swallow her mouth and gazes at everyone with sideways puppy eyes, he's a consummate mouth-breather. But in the nerd-world ethos, wherever there is social awkwardness and terrible taste in clothes, family trauma and emotional repression lurk nearby..."
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"Dammit...I'm too complex."
~ Jarrod (Eagle vs. Shark)
USA Today Review
Written by: Scott Bowles | Source: Fandango.com
"Eagle vs. Shark is the kind of movie Hollywood should make but rarely does.
Unlike so many big-studio films that pass off models in horn-rimmed glasses as nerds, this little New Zealand gem embraces the inner geek and, just as effectively, celebrates misfit love."
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Black Magic NZ Review
Source: Black Magic Blog
"If you’re into comedies this is definitely a must-see. It’s very hilarious and not only in the bits which are supposed to be funny (which are side-splitting), but throughout the film. Taika Waititi is definitely one to watch."
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"Life is hard, but in between the hard bits there are some lovely bits."
~ Lily (Eagle vs. Shark)
Fan Reviews
Hilarious & Beautiful
"This fillm is visually stunning and will keep you thinking, not to mention laughing. If you don't like being made uncomfortable by onscreen awkwardness, this might not be for you... but personally, i know life can be very awkward, and i enjoy seeing that acknowledged by filmmakers. The music's good, too... check out the phoenix foundation as well!" ~ericasu
Simply Wonderful
"i am still finding it hard to put into words how simply wonderful this film is (funny, poigniant and utterly delightfull).. i saw it last night at the civic in auckland and wouldn’t have missed it for the world! the atmosphere was amazing; everyone was so excited and up for it, and all the laughter even roused my unborn babies into a frenzied kicking fit!" ~ shenanigans