Search icon

Entertainment

04th Mar 2019

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is on TV tonight and it’s unmissable

Paul Moore

96% on Rotten Tomatoes and an instant cult-classic.

We’re firmly of the opinion that Taika Waititi can do no wrong.

In terms of his CV, the New Zealand director has made the likes of Thor: Ragnarok, What We Do In The Shadows, Eagle vs Shark and various episodes of Flight of the Conchords.

However, that’s not all because film fans will know that Waititi is also one of the funniest men on the planet.

Need proof of this? Well, he voiced/performed/gave us the greatest character in the MCU, Korg.

Before Hollywood came calling and gave him the third Thor film, the Oscar-nominated director cemented his reputation around the world with his incredible comedy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

At the time of its release, the film received a five-star review from Empire and the quirky comedy currently has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 81% average on the more reliable Metacritic.

Ok, what’s it about?

Raised on hip-hop and foster care, defiant city kid Ricky gets a fresh start in the New Zealand countryside. He quickly finds himself at home with his new foster family: the loving Aunt Bella, the cantankerous Uncle Hec (Sam Neill), and dog Tupac. When a tragedy strikes that threatens to ship Ricky to another home, both he and Hec go on the run in the bush.

As a national manhunt ensues, the newly branded outlaws must face their options: go out in a blaze of glory or overcome their differences and survive as a family.

While this sounds a bit odd, imagine a wonderful combination of Up mixed with the surreal humour of Father Ted and Flight of the Conchords.

If that’s not enough, Film4 are having a Taika Waititi double-bill because his wonderful debut, Boy, is also being shown.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople starts at 9pm on Film4.

Don’t miss it.

Clip via Vertigo Releasing