Movie review: Love Birds

Love Birds
(PG) 103 minutes

The New Zealand film industry turns out more top-quality films than it has a right to. Small and under-funded, Kiwi film-makers must rely on their abundant talents to create something special on a limited budget.
Love Birds joins the long line of great Kiwi films that get the job done against the odds. Quite simply, this is a little charmer that should be enjoyed by every Kiwi. Set in Auckland, it is as Kiwi as can be, with characters and humour that are unique to this country.
For me, Rhys Darby steals the show again, but in a very different role to what we are used to seeing him play.
He plays the relatively straight role of a typical Kiwi bloke, but there is no hiding the charm and likeability he brings to the big screen. And don't be alarmed, his comic genius does get a chance to air its head.
Darby plays the role of happy, predictable Doug, who works on a road gang and lives a very normal life. Doug's life is turned upside when his beautiful yet shallow girlfriend, Susan (Faye Smythe), suddenly dumps him in search of more adventure in her life. He is heartbroken and doesn't know what to do with himself.
His life is never destined to be the same again when an injured paradise shelduck called Pierre enters his house and his life. Doug grows to love his feathered friend and turns his life upside down to get Pierre happy and healthy.
In pursuit of some advice on caring for a duck, Doug meets Auckland Zoo bird-keeper Holly (Sally Hawkins) and their mutual affection of Pierre is the catalyst for a blooming relationship. But Doug and Pierre share in common a fear of breaking their shackles and flying free.
Pierre, his wing now healed, won't attempt to fly while Doug is scared of giving love another chance.
With the help of his very down-to-earth mates, Doug slowly discovers what he really wants from his life and decides to go after it.
Love Birds is a romantic comedy, but it would be unfair to pigeon-hole it in that category only. It is also a wonderfully funny and charming Kiwi comedy.