Taika Waititi at the premiere of his new film Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Photo / Norrie Montgomery
Taika Waititi at the premiere of his new film Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Photo / Norrie Montgomery
A host of New Zealand celebs have taken to social media with rave reviews for Taika Waititi's Hunt for the Wilderpeople after it premiered last night in Auckland.
Celebrities, sports stars and movie buffs turned up in droves at the film's premiere at Hoyts Cinema in Sylvia park and many walked away satisfied with Waititi's latest filmic offering.
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Former TV presenter-turned-filmmaker David Farrier took to Facebook to encourage his fans to choose Hunt for the Wilderpeople over other blockbuster films in cinemas.
"Guys this weekend please don't see Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice , go and see Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Batman will leave you screaming your head off at story madness. Wilderpeople will make you feel peaceful and wonderful, not tearing your hair out. This bad boy is a must see for eeeeeeeveryone!"
New Zealand comedian Jaquie Brown also encouraged people to "get out and see it and support local comedy film making goodness".
Actress Teuila Blakely wrote: "I didn't choose the skuxx life, the skuxx life chose me. Bloody majestical night alright! X," while fellow New Zealand actor Emmett Skilton wrote: "A great night out at the premiere for Hunt for the Wilderpeople tonight!"
Skux is a word used repeatedly in the film, which means "cool, funky, energetic and smart," according to actor Julian Dennison.
Actor Craig Hall said the movie "is awesome! A great caper. Go see it. Now."
Based on Barry Crump's novel Wild Pork and Watercress, the film tells the story of a young Maori boy and his uncle, who go on the run when social welfare threatens to place the boy in foster care. The film's stars include Sam Neill, Stan Walker, Oscar Kightley and newcomer Dennison.
The film also received glowing reviews from Kiwis who appeared in it.
Radio journalist John Campbell, who makes a cameo appearance reporting live from the scene of the manhunt, wrote on Twitter, "Thank you! It was such fun. And I'm honoured to be in such fine company!"
TVNZ presenter Sam Wallace, who also features in the film, said it was "skuks and magestical all in one[sic]. Kiwi kids are going to be studying it for years to come! #classic".
You have to see @wilderpeople it's both skuks and magestical all in one. Kiwi kids are going to be studying it for years to come! #classic
While Mihingarangi Forbes wrote: "Take your kids, your Nan and Koro to @TaikaWaititi 's Hunt for the Wilderpeople". She said the film was "hilarious" and "outstanding".
