Nature just got gangsta

Starring: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rhys Darby, Rima Te Wiata, Rachel House, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Oscar Kightley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I'm not going back to jail, I'm better off up here. This is no place for a kid. You're gonna have to go back, Ricky." - Hec

Why watch this? I instantly fell for this uniquely warm and oddly funny flick.

Plot Summary: After the sudden death of his loving foster aunt, rebellious city kid Ricky Baker finds himself on the run in the vast New Zealand wilderness with his grumpy foster uncle Hec. A series of misunderstandings leads child services to believe Hec has kidnapped Ricky, sparking a national manhunt. The unlikely duo must learn to work together and survive in the challenging bush while evading capture and forming an unexpected bond.

Dad's Preview: You will enjoy this little independent film that came up out of nowhere thanks to director Taika Waititi. Young Julian Dennison is great as the sharp-witted lad with a wanna-be gansta attitude. Sam Neill is likewise awesome as grumpy old Hec, forced to take care of a kid who really annoys him. The plot is great and there are many laugh-out-loud moments.

Defender Films, Piki Films, Curious, New Zealand Film Comm.;
Madman Films, Piki Films