New Zealand Film "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" Stars Sam O'Neill - A Must See

For those who missed this touching & uniquely funny film "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" which opened this summer, don't miss the opportunity to find it on DVD today.  This quirky, unexpectedly charming survival/adventure comedy thrusts a young orphan, Ricky (a breakout performance by Julian Dennison) into the begrudgingly, curmudgeonly care of "Uncle Hec" (an always captivating Sam O'Neill.)  Ricky's been shuffled through the foster care system without finding a permanent placement. (A troubling & poignantt problem highlighed in this thoughtful & wickedly hilarious flick.)  Hec's childless wife Bella wanted desperately to adopt a child.  She is indefatigable & understanding in bringing out the tenderness in Ricky, a closed off, overweight kid. Ricky makes a few feeble attempts at running away.  It's only a matter of days before Bella's big heart thaws Ricky's reserve like a hot water bottle on a frigid night.  The birthday celebration complete with cake, song & pitt bull dog as a present delight Ricky.  He happily claims, "This is the best birthday I've ever had," with an added epiphany, "It's the only birthday I've ever had."  The next day Bella unexpectedly dies.  The bereaved Hec informs Ricky  social services are coming to take him, "It was Bella who wanted you, not me."  Ricky pleads with Uncle Hec to stay, "They can't take me.  This is my home."  Oh, but they can & they will & they will stop at nothing.  Ricky & his dog, Tupac" run away for good sending the good hearted (which we sensed) out into the outback to bring him back.  Leaving Ricky to fend for himself would be fool hardy & dangerous.  The atypical survival/adventure ensues with more unexpected turns & pratt falls you don't see coming.  Meanwhile, social services along with the police are tracking the pair down to arrest Hec & put Ricky into "juvey" junvenile detention.  The New Zealand wilderness is breathtaking and shot beautifully in all the "majestical"seasons.  Psycho Sam (Rhys Darby "Flight of the Concords") is one of the zaniest encounters Hec & Ricky have during their flee from captivity.  Dir/screenwriter/ Taika Waititi (b. New Zealand 1975) also directed the hilarious "What We Do in the Shadows."  You may expect a familial bond to form between Ricky & Hec, but throughout the movie you don't know what you're gonna get.  Just expect, a beautiful & unique film that takes you through new territory & touches your heart.  Look for "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" on Amazon.  It's an amazing & totally entertaining movie.