Josie and I thought we’d check out the new cinema complex in Glenelg, South Australia, which I will review at a later date. So the question was what film were we going to watch. Looking at the possible times and variety of films we settled on Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

A quick question, have you ever been to a movie not knowing anything about the storyline? Because that’s where Josie and I were when we entered the cinema complex. The only thing I knew about the film was it was made in New Zealand, it had a PG rating and it starred Sam Neill from the original Jurassic Park (1993) and Academy Award winning film The Piano, another New Zealand based film.

So, we went into the film with no preconceived ideas, and no expectations, which really isn’t a bad way to enter a picture theatre. So we sat in our selected seats, got comfortable and prepared ourselves for a leisurely viewing.

So let us get straight to the point about the film, it is a fantastic film. The cinematography is stunning, the New Zealand landscape is breathtaking which makes you want to book that international flight as soon as you walk out of the theatre. The New Zealand sense of humour is quite funny, and you can’t help giggling and laughing like little kids. We weren’t the only ones, as the majority of the filmgoers were all doing the same.

Hunt of the Wilderpeople is the story about a young New Zealand boy named Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison – Paper Planes) who is in the New Zealand foster system trying to find his place in the world. Fortunately, his new home is run by quirky Auntie Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and her husband Hector (Sam Neill). Ricky settles into normal life when turmoil takes over and new adventures reveal themselves. A misunderstanding about an injury sees Ricky and Hector in a New Zealand forest with a local man search underway.

Director, Taika Waititi, puts this Barry Crump novel together and his storytelling style imbeds this film close to your heart. Hunt for the Wilderpeople is an ideal family movie for everyone to enjoy, and you’d be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t like this film. In my opinion this film will win a New Zealand film award (Moa). Finally, watch out for cameos by musician Stan Walker and comedian Rhys Darby.

Remember if you decide to go see Hunt for the Wilderpeople, tell them Simon sent you, from Our World in Review.

Ratings: 1 -10 ( 1 = very poor, 10 = excellent)

Cinematography – 9
Storyline – 9
Characters & Acting -9

Overall – 9