Available at Amazon.com
Miramax presents Eagle vs Shark. 88 minutes. Written by Taika Waititi. Rated R for language, some sexuality and brief animated violence.
Directed By:
Taika Waititi
Cast:
Jemaine Clement……….Jarrod
Loren Horsley……….Lily
The Film:
Awkward comedy always walks a fine line. When done properly as in The Office, or Flight Of The Conchords it can be hilarious. However, like in the case of Eagle vs Shark, the comedy part seems to have been left out and all you’re left with is something that is well, awkward.
Eagle vs Shark focuses around two people, Lily (Horsley) and Jarrod (Clement). Lily is a frumpy woman who works at a fast food burger joint and is obviously unliked by all that know her. Also, she has a huge crush on Jarrod, who works at a video store nearby. Their paths finally cross when Jarrod invites another girl Lily works with to a party and the girl doesn’t want to go. So Lily takes the opportunity and goes in her stead.
Everyone at the party is dressed like their favorite animal; Lily dresses like a shark and Jarrod an eagle (hence the films title). Jarrod likes her costume and is even further impressed when she beats everyone at the party in a videogame-fighting contest. As they grow closer Jarrod tells her that he has been plotting revenge against his high school bully and it’s almost time to go and face him. So she goes with him to his hometown to support him only to have him dump her when they get there.
This film suffers from many things. Most apparent is the attempt at quirky comedy that was made popular by films like Napoleon Dynamite. Secondly, none of the characters are vary likable. There is no one for you to relate to or connect to in any way shape or form. Lily is a sad befuddled little creature and Jarrod is a jerk, who it turns out lies about pretty much everything he says.
Were the film more funny, the unlikable characters might be acceptable. While there are laughs in the film they are few and far between. Jemaine Clement is hilarious in Flight Of The Conchords, however his humoristic style just doesn’t work here. About the best I can say for the film is that if you can get there, it’s got a pretty good ending.
The DVD:
This film is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen. Sound is in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. There is a Spanish language track as well as French and Spanish subtitles.
Extras:
Audio Commentary with director Taika Waititi and guests: In this commentary one thing is made abundantly clear: Taiki Waititi is very proud of this film and thinks it’s brilliant and hilarious, which, I suppose, is the most important part I guess. This first part of the commentary is him on the phone with actress Loren Horsley, which is odd cause he has to explain which scene is playing cause she can’t see it. She does, however, have good things to add so it makes it worth it. Later another actor shows up to add his thoughts then towards the end Loren pops back in. All-in-all a decent commentary if you like the film you’ll enjoy this.
Deleted Scenes with Commentary: Yup, these are deleted scenes and the commentary is director Taiki Waititi explaining why they were cut. Not much else to say. There are 13 deleted scenes.
Outtakes: These are typical outtakes, some of it’s kinda funny. It’s runs just under 3 minutes.
The Phoenix Foundation “Going Fishing” Music Video: This is a decent song. The video is footage from the film edited together with footage of the band playing. Very typical and expected.
The Inside Pulse
While I’m sure there are people out there who would like this film I’m not sure who they might be. After falling in love with Flight Of The Conchords I was hoping this film would be equally as enjoyable. Sadly it is not.
