Fans of cult hit NAPOLEON DYNAMITE will find much to like in this quirky New Zealand import. Director Taika Waititi's debut feature centers on the oddest of couples: Lily (Loren Horsley), an outcast at the fast food restaurant where she works, and Jarrod (Jermaine Clement, FLIGHT OF THE CONCORDS), a clerk at a video game store who is completely oblivious to his dork status. Lily's days revolve around Jarrod's daily burger-driven appearances at her job, but, alas, he only has eyes for her perky blonde coworker. But Lily wins his heart with her video game prowess, and the pair becomes a couple. However, Jarrod has more than romance on his mind, and he journeys back to his hometown to face a high school nemesis with loyal Lily in tow.

Though Jarrod provides much of the film's humor, Lily provides its heart. Horsley's resume doesn't feature a large number of credits, but she is wonderful as Lily. She's awkward and honest, sweet and completely smitten with Jarrod. As Jarrod, Clement has perfected the deadpan delivery that made NAPOLEON DYNAMITE so much fun. As in its predecessor, EAGLE VS. SHARK features characters that aren't aware that they aren't "normal." From Jarrod's mullets to his family's beloved track suits, they're a study in strange, but they are genuine and real people. Like other odd romances such as HAROLD AND MAUDE, this love seems unlikely, but good acting and smart writing make it work.

Theatrical Release: June 15, 2007 (Limited)

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
Audio:
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English
Subtitles - French, Spanish - Optional
Additional Release Material:
Audio Commentary - Taika Waititi - Director; & Guests
Deleted Scenes
Music Video - "Going Fishing" - The Phoenix Foundation
Outtakes

Jemaine Clement: Actor, TONGAN NINJA 2002
Loren Horsley: Star, EAGLE VS. SHARK (2007)
Brian Sergent: Star, EAGLE VS. SHARK (2007)
Joel Tobeck: Actor in MEE-SHEE: THE WATER GIANT
Rachel House: Star, EAGLE VS. SHARK (2007)

Taika Waititi: Director, EAGLE VS. SHARK (2007)

Cliff Curtis: Actor
Ainsley Gardiner: Producer, EAGLE VS. SHARK (2007)

Taika Waititi: Director, EAGLE VS. SHARK (2007)

3 stars out of 4 -- "[T]his little New Zealand gem embraces the inner geek and, just as effectively, celebrates misfit love."
"[A] lovely romantic comedy....[With] a richly rendered supporting cast; deviously delightful dialogue...and surreal animated interludes..."
"It is Kiwi humour through and through....Offbeat..."
3 stars out of 5 -- "While the zaniness zinging around the first two thirds is clearly indebted to NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, EAGLE VS SHARK becomes far more sympathetic....[With] Waititi coaxing some kind of emotional truth out from beneath the self-conscious whackiness."
3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]his funny ha-ha, funny peculiar indie is lifted by a stand-out female lead -- and writer-director Cohen could be the southern hemisphere's Jared Hess."
4 stars out of 5 -- "Horsley's performance is one of quiet comedy brilliance....Clement is an unlovable but hilarious rock throughout....They're a wonderful pair to enjoy..."