Hunt for the Wilderpeople

Gentle and appealing performances can't rescue this facile and cloying comedy.

[Its] sheer good-naturedness pulls off a not particularly inspired crusty-old-coot-thawed-by-young-scamp concept, maintaining an agreeable tonal balance despite occasional wobbles between spoof, sentimentality and silliness.

One of the most sincere and funny portraits of family life to come along in a while.

This might be the best kids' movie since Up.

"Hunt for the Wilderpeople" is a hoot with heart.

Director Taika Waititi proves expert in his management of tone, such that the farcical elements, however numerous, don't detract from the very real friendship the renegades develop as they elude the world's most dedicated social services officer.

A film about romanticism, respect, acceptance and loyalty, however, it becomes excellent because of the construction of one of the most wonderful characters that modern cinema has given us. [Full review in Spanish]

Its whackiness and borderline fantasy might not be for everyone, but there's a universal, childlike appeal to the story that feels too powerful to deny.

I can't remember the last time I laughed this much at a movie. This wacky adventure set in New Zealand's wilderness is outrageously funny. It is filled with quirky, compelling characters and witty dialog.

Wilderpeople emerges as a hugely likeable but not always coherent yarn.

While there are numerous nods to cultural references only a local audience will appreciate, Ricky and Hec's emotional journey is one which every viewer can climb aboard.

In Hunt for the Wilderpeople by Taika Waititi, lush landscapes of the rainforest of New Zealand counter a sense of humor so toast-dry that it makes the British Ealing comedies of the 1950s seem overripe.