How to Meet Girls from a Distance

One of the funniest films I have seen in a long time! Hard to find a film with fresh ideas and original characters - well this film has both! Highly appealing characters that are genuinely likable (and adorably flawed!) and a great fresh faced cast that truly gave them life. Also worth noting is how transferable this film is. Though set in Wellington NZ, it doesn't rely on an in depth knowledge of Kiwi culture to be funny, which can otherwise leave international viewers feeling alienated from the plot. This film is one of those unique gems that leave you giggling for a few hours after. It's originality, great humour and feel good factor - with an obvious lack of Hollywood (over the top) pretentiousness - rank it in good company with such films as Forgetting Sarah Marshell and 40 Year Old Virgin in my book. I will also be keeping eye out for the soundtrack - a must have for in my car!

With a budget of just $100,000 and a ridiculously short shooting time of 17 days, you would expect this film to be a steaming pile of plan nine from outer space poo. It is a credit to all involved that it isn't. While not perfect, some two thirds in it gets a bit soupy, the charm and laughs of this independent film keep the audience rollicking along to the end. I was lucky enough to attend the premiere, and I would say that without exception everyone in the cinema walked out with a smile on their face.

The storyline centres around a young man who has been unlucky in love and so he decides to get a little information on his next prospective date, suffice to say that rooting through her recycling and following her home dressed in disguise, may be taking it a little too far. Although it has a creepy premise the empathy we have for the genuinely likable character and the madcap supporting cast carries this movie through to a immensely satisfying and non-Hollywood romantic comedy ending.

I was so impressed with the standard of acting and being a local, loved the scenery. There were lots of places I recognised which made the movie special for me. Having said that, overseas audiences would not feel left out as there are no specific local references or New Zealand specific jokes. The characters were easy to relate to and so many of the scenes were funny. Unless you knew beforehand, you would not realise this film had a low budget and a tight time frame for shooting. There was some tasteful adult humour too- probably not a good first date movie! It was nice that the story had a romantic side to it as well as some dating disasters.

Overall, a pretty funny movie but I felt like the time between most of the jokes was a little bit long. There certainly were some funny moments, but in between there were some fairly flat periods with characters that did little to excite. I would still say the movie is worth a watch, but it lacks some strength as a compelling example of film in any category. The fact that the movie is from New Zealand does add some interest, providing a refreshing and different take of life (fans of Flight of the Chonchords may recognize some of this). The movie also has an interesting soundtrack, although mostly for it's variety rather than any hard hitting performances. In summation, it's a worthwhile effort that shows promise but ultimately seems to be missing the finishing touches that make for a great movie.

Considering this is not a Hollywood or even Bollywood movie it was well written and crafted. Filmed in Wellington which is called Wellywood, the home of Peter Jackson it's not surprising it's good.

If you expect a Hollywood budget you will be disappointed, but if you like Kiwi movies then you'll LOVE this movie. Well done from start to end. The attention to detail is good, which makes a good movie. The plot is not overly complicated. The main guy is a good actor , just right for the role. The cinematography is top notch. Great songs too, just right for the movie. Also a great supporting cast.Some Kiwi movies are terrible, they have a reputation for being hit or miss, well this one is a hit in my book.Screw Flanders