How to Meet Girls from a Distance

We went along to this not knowing what to expect, and came away thrilled. You know you have been to a good movie when the following day you are talking and still laughing about it. It was a quirky movie but it will still appeal to a mainstream audience. We loved the soundtrack and it helped the movie skip along at a exciting pace. The acting was genuinely excellent for such a low budget film. There were some very very funny scenes in this movie. They will stay with us for a long time and we are already reciting them to each other and breaking out in laughter. Really enjoyed the Wellington location and views of the Wellington skyline and windy, hilly roads. Creative imagination makes up for lack of high-tech special effects. Would have liked to have perhaps a few deep or meaningful messages sprinkled in there to give the movie a 10 - but still a fun night out :-)

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.

It's unnecessary to say this film was made with a ridiculously short amount of time and money, because it didn't matter. It is side-splitting funny, with some truly brave and clever comedy! I was hooked from beginning to end. The film is completely surprising. It kept me guessing, but provided a feasible bread-crumb trail of clues to result in a truly satisfying ending. I was fully engaged in the character's quirky lives. The script is brilliant, and the performances charming. Although this is a Kiwi film, it's not encumbered with any culture other than the universal trials of love. Highly recommend this film for anyone who's ever tried dating.

What a way to end the New Zealand International Film Festival!! I'd wanted to attend one of the screenings but they were all booked out. It's for good reason there was an added screening attached to the very end of the festival and a buddy scored some last minute tickets!!

Without exaggeration, this was a laugh out loud, knee-slapping comedy with characters you'll be discussing and laughing about with friends well after you've left the theater! It's the most I laughed all festival long! Congratulations to everyone involved in making such a funny film within such a short time and limited budget! It'll surely stick around as one of the greats coming out of Wellington!

I hope it gets a wider release and I look forward to seeing what's next from Director Dean Hewison and his team!