Movieman Madness: Cinema Spotlight II – Taika Waititi (Part 4): ‘Hunt For the Wilderpeople’

Dr. Grant did state that he was never good with kids.

Fourth time is the charm as Taika Waititi once again proves to be an accomplished director with a film that encompasses all of his filmmaking techniques in full bloom. From comedies that have ranged from romantic, drama, and horror, Waititi goes into full drive in what is arguably his finest work with the adventure comedy Hunt For the Wilderpeople.

Fun Fact: Juilan Dennison is set to appear in Deadpool 2.

Receiving a limited theatrical run on June 24, 2016, Ricky (Julian Denison) a juvenile delinquent is sent to live with his new foster family Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and Hec (Sam Neill), a married couple who live the far countryside. While not impressed with his new surroundings, or the fact that the cankerous mountain man Hec isn’t much of a talker, Bella welcomes Ricky with open arms and for a brief moment he begins to like his new family. Alas, its all to good to last as Bella tragically dies one day leaving Hec in custody of Ricky; when news reaches that Ricky will be taken back with child services instead, Ricky flees into the wild.

Happy Birthday Ricky!

Hec isn’t far behind in trying talk some sense into the kid, but through a series of misunderstandings the two end up on the run as wanted fugitives. With only each other, it’s a crazy and unpredictable tale of survival facing against the perils of Mother Nature, from ferocious animals, ravaging hunters, and law enforcement of all kind in hot pursuit.

Officer Andy (Oscar Kightley) and Social Worker Paula (Rachel House)

Imagination and comedy have always been the strongest assets of Taika Waititi when exploring dysfunctional characters with troubled families who are often ostracized whether a socially awkward couple, a father and son, a trio of old-fashioned vampires, Hunt For the Wilderpeople is no exception, both Ricky and Hec have issues that have landed them in hot water in the past; they would have sunk further in the pit if it weren’t for Bella the only person who cared for them.

Bella teaching Ricky a couple of pointers in hunting.

Now with the whole world after them, what starts as a reluctant alliance evolves into a benevolent bond. Mostly known as the guy from Jurassic Park, Sam Neill is excellent and surprisingly funny that I would’ve never have pictured him in this kind of role. Juilan Denison is also phenomenal as his banter with Neil is heartwarming and funny seeing them trek the barren wilderness.

Ricky , Hec and Tupac surving the wild

Adding to his usual trademarks are the funny movie references to Scarface, Terminator, Lord of the Rings (Coincidentally, both were shot in New Zealand) and Ricky naming his dog Tupac; an ear-catchy score and soundtrack, beautiful cinematography showing the lush green forests and breath-taking views from the mountain top, and the realization return to reality. Having been absent in What We Do in the Shadows Rachel House re-appears as Paula a determined child welfare worker in charge of the search for Ricky along with the clever customary cameo from Waititi.

The Gospel according to Taika

Hunt for the People is a light-hearted version of Boy, both great films with the latter going for more drama while former aims for a comedic tone, and its what I think makes it Waititi’s best. It’s like choosing between Fargo and No Country for Old Men, outstanding films from the Coen Brothers but I would watch Fargo more frequently because amid the dark and serious atmosphere I could use some lighter and funny moments now and then throughout the story.

Hitting all the right notes balancing the seriousness of the situation but adding plenty of humor that never feels out of place, is it any surprise that Waititi’s next film would be about a certain God of Thunder and his back-stabbing brother. Hunt For the Wilderpeople is truly a majestical motion picture.