Quick Info
This New Zealand comedy, directed by Taika Waititi, follows a rebellious foster kid and his grumpy "uncle" as they go on the run in the wilderness. The movie is quirky and heartfelt, blending slapstick humor with genuinely touching moments as the mismatched pair scramble through forests and avoid a hilariously tenacious child welfare worker. I loved how it managed to be both laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly poignant without ever feeling forced.
What really stood out to me is how the movie balances its offbeat humor with beautiful scenery and some genuinely moving character growth. Sam Neill gives one of his most charming performances, and Julian Dennison is ridiculously likable as Ricky Baker. Waititi’s style is unmistakable here — dry, weird, and full of little visual jokes that make even the slowest moments fun to watch.
If I had to nitpick, some of the broader jokes didn’t land for me, and it occasionally feels a bit too sentimental. But honestly, if you’re into heartfelt comedies that steer clear of the typical Hollywood formula (especially with some adventure thrown in), you’ll probably really enjoy this one.
