Eagle vs. Shark

Rating R Formats DVD Genre comedy Starring Ban Abdul, Julian Arahanga, Monique Bradley, Riley Brophy, Luke Buda Directed by Taika Cohen Publisher Miramax

Self-consciously quirky films are all the rage these days. So much so that mining geek love for every bit of awkward humor is an indie requisite. Heading up the quirkiness brigade are Australia and New Zealand, with Jane Campion's originally odd harbinger Sweetie (1989), the lovable Muriel's Wedding (1994), and now Taika Waititi's so-dorky-it's-hip Eagle Vs. Shark. Comparisons to these forerunners as well as to Napolean Dynamite are obvious, though Waititi's Sundance-lab endeavor is quite formulaic and takes few risks. Essentially, Eagle's whimsical geek romance core makes it entertaining but a rather superficial girl-meets-boy narrative.

The tone and art direction are about as subtle as a Hollywood explosion, from the moment we encounter mousy protagonist Lily (Loren Horsley) in her garish fast food environment "Meaty Boy" until the entrée of her clueless crush Jarrod (Jemaine Clement)-a mulleted overgrown D&D geek trying to channel James Dean. Jarrod is so horrendous, pathetic, and outright cruel to her that it's not entirely clear what she sees in him (other than their matching lip birthmarks.) Nevertheless, it is amusing (albeit guilty) to watch her pursue this reluctant token of affection, who naturally has his sights on the hot blonde working the other register.

The turning point and most genius scene is Lily sneaking into Jarrod's "Come as Your Favorite Animal" party to regale him with her shark outfit. Accompanied by her jovial brother, whose excellent tarantula costume is a ping-pong ball and pipe cleaner-covered hood, they clumsily socialize with partygoers in equally amusing couture. Somehow, Lily goes on to clobber Jarrod at Street Fighter, winning his respect and entrance to his bedroom, for one of the most cringe-worthy geek love fests in the history of cinema.

Thus begins the dynamic between the eagle and the shark: Lily patiently enduring Jarrod's aloofness and forced machismo, making him presents and getting her heart broken, and following him to visit his dysfunctional family. Although Jarrod continues to push her away and royally screw things up, she bonds with his relatives and begins to see how they are still grieving and blaming each other for the death of Jarrod's "perfect" brother years ago. By ignoring Jarrod and finding her place with them, Lily comes into her own and gains the family she never had. Meanwhile, Jarrod's quest to exact revenge on the bully who tormented him in high school a decade ago is not as compelling to watch but proves to be ultimately humbling for this delusional flawed hero.

Some choice moments of comic relief—a bespectacled little girl dancing wildly to heavy- metal guitar, Lily's drunken party antics, and Jarrod's horrible hand sculptures—provide color to an otherwise derivative story that loses its momentum about halfway through. Claymation sequences also add some creativity and a touch of heartfelt symbolism. Other truly poignant moments shine through, such as when Lily is fired from her job, making up naïve songs, or reflecting on the world in her positive, unassuming way.

Though Eagle Vs. Shark may not push many boundaries, its culturally-specific humor is charming, its intentions sincere, and its theme of "there's someone for everyone" is perfectly realized.

Special features on this edition include many deleted scenes (some of which are helpful to watch), silly outtakes, and a quirky music video from one of the choice indie bands featured on the soundtrack.