Review of Eagle vs Shark (2007) by Derek R — 05 Mar 2009

This movie projects a basic style similar to Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre, or even The Foot Fist Way. It features weird characters doing weird, quirky things. They are outcasts from normal society who have generally adapted to living their lives that way. In the case of Lily from Eagle Vs. Shark, she is even avoided by her fellow fast food employees. However, these other movies focus on characters that are odd and clueless enough to avoid being very sympathetic. Lily is far more normal than Napoleon Dynamite, making her lack of friends much more depressing. This makes it harder, if not impossible, to find humor in her misfortune.

Most of the comedy is thereby derived from the ridiculous antics of Lily's love interest, Jarrod. Apart from him being a goofball, the remaining humor is produced from awkward interactions reminiscent of the Flight of the Conchords tv show, or Ricky Gervais' The Office.

The majority of the movie focuses on Lily's pursuit of Jarrod, which leads to a darker and less light-hearted plot than the style of the movie implies. He generally lacks any consideration for her or their relationship, which leads to many depressing sequences as she tries to break through his defensive personality.

One of the most endearing and inspiring aspects of the movie is Lily's relationship with her brother. It is pure, genial, loving, and provides bright moments in the atmosphere of gloom that pervades throughout most of the story.

The peculiarities of Jarrod and Lily may invite comparisons to Napoleon Dynamite, but their characters have depth and problems real enough to set Eagle Vs. Shark apart. It will probably find more fans in viewers of Flight of the Conchords or the British Office.