Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

I had heard of this movie only from automated suggestions after I watched others directed by Taika Waititi. Perhaps it wasn't shown in theaters in my area. It is from New Zealand, after all, and set there. Since it's rated highly and Waititi had yet to let me down, I gave it a whirl.

Ricky (Julian Dennison), ages 12 to 13 for the story, receives foster care from farmers Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and Hector (Sam Neill) despite his history of committing misdemeanors and running away. He warms up to Bella, but grumpy "Hec" wants as little to do with him as possible. Bella unexpectedly dies (we never learn how), and child welfare services, doubting Hec's adequacy, wants to take Ricky back to juvie. He runs off into the woods, and Hec tracks him down to ensure his survival. Some unfortunate events, particularly thanks to Ricky's cluelessness, give other people the impression that Hec kidnapped Ricky. A manhunt ensues, with not-so-friendly CWS officer Paula (Rachel House) in especially hot pursuit.

This is an adaptation of a book too obscure for its own Wikipedia page: Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump. That explains an odd structural feature: Every so often, a chapter title appears on screen, often based on a previous line of dialog. I can't say it really adds anything.

Had I known the plot better, I would not have chosen to watch so soon after Lonely Are the Brave. Once again, a man evades the police in the wilderness for about two-thirds of the runtime (101 minutes in this case). There is also a specific comparison to Rambo. Of course, Hec is accompanied by a boy, along with two hunting dogs and no horse. But for all the untamed countryside, they don't meet only authorities, bounty hunters, and animals along the way.

Early on, the humor is mainly that of social awkwardness, with unlike personalities bouncing off each other a bit. Later, we can laugh at Ricky slowly realizing that he's not that close to being the gangster he thinks he wants to be. By the third act, the manhunt is blown out of proportion, both on the news and in the forces brought to bear. Think of The Blues Brothers.

Then there's the heartwarming side. Obviously, Ricky and Hec don't keep on hating each other. Ricky develops some skills, tho the filmmakers didn't bother to have him lose any weight over months of roughing it on the lam. He helps Hec as needed, and Hec stops resisting the label of family. I did not predict the ending, but it was probably the best option.

So yeah, Waititi still hasn't let me down. I recommend HftW to anyone seeking a PG-13 adventure with many comedic moments.