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Eagle vs. Shark

Neither human nor beast will find this amusing

By Matt Pais, Metromix

June 22, 2007

Critic's Rating:

Jemaine Clement and Loren Horsley in "Eagle vs. Shark." (Credit: Matt Grace/Miramax)

Eagle vs. Shark

Running time:: 94 minutes

Rated:: R

Cast:

Loren Horsley -

Lily

Jemaine Clement -

Jarrod

Brian Sergent -

Jonah

Rachel House -

Nancy

Craig Hall -

Doug

See full cast

Director:: Taika Cohen

Official Movie Web Site:: http://www.eaglevsshark.net/

Overall User Rating:: (0 ratings)

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In the latest "celebration" of oddballs, "Eagle vs. Shark" focuses on wallflower Lily (Loren Horsley, the movie's saving grace) and Jarrod (Jermaine Clement), the awkward and dreadfully uncool object of her affection who plots his revenge against an old high school rival.

Big question: Is this deliberately quirky New Zealand import just condescending?

Skip it: Jarrod is more of an obnoxious loser than Napoleon Dynamite, and "Eagle vs. Shark" doesn't even try to explain what Lily sees in him. The film is so eager to cash in on the geek chic of the surprise 2004 hit that the title may as well be "This Year's Napoleon Dynamite." (It's certainly no worse than calling the movie "Eagle vs. Shark.")

Catch it: If you find poignancy in the slogan on the shirt worn by Jarrod's friend Mason: "I look better online."

Bottom line: "Eagle vs. Shark" centers on outcasts but shows no sympathy towards its weirdoes or their supposed individuality. You'll want Lily to find happiness but look at Jerrod and think, "Please, please, not with this guy."

Bonus: Lily's place of employment, a fast food joint called Meaty Boy, may have a million-dollar idea with their Crazy Burger, an inside-out sandwich with two patties surrounding one piece of bread. Who's hungry?!