How to Meet Girls from a Distance

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.

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.

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!

There are movies you tell friends about because it made an impact to you. There are movies that touch on economic and social dilemmas, and you are struck with the social significance so you start loving the movie for its originality and value. There are movies that you have to watch over and over again, and each time you feel exasperated, like you've been submerged in water and you had to swim your way up for air (read: Atonement). There are really good movies that you admire because of its clever writing. And you ended up writing a short story, or starting a movie blog, for that matter. And there are movies that you simply adore, for its subtleness, bluntness, and sheer ability to make you laugh. A movie that gets you, and you ultimately get the movie too. I'm talking about this refreshing comedy from the Land Down Under, the New Zealand movie How to meet girls from a distance

The CONS

I can't think of any. I may be biased. My judgment may have been shrouded by the movie's relatability to me. The movie isn't perfect, nothing is. It is flawed by blunt jokes. By over-acting. By characters obviously trying to be weirdos to get a good chemistry of this marvel of a movie. Perhaps the only actual con I could say is that I wanted to see more and the movie ended too soon. Not that it should've been long, I completely agree that an hour and 20 minutes is enough time to show everything. But I wanted to see more, may be some behind the scenes, or heck, a sequel maybe.

The PROS

So far, this is the highest-rated movie on this blog. And although the rating is completely based on my prerogative, I still owe the readers an explanation why I gave this movie a 4.7, 0.3 shy of being perfect

Casting Richard Falkner as Toby. He's just perfect for the role. He looks timid enough to be that timid, "torpe" guy. His receding hairline shows that he is not that best looking, but we know he is talented and got skills, and that should make girls for fall her. He looks weird enough to be type-cast as a psycho stalker. I could not imagine other actor playing as Toby

The movie gets me. I could relate to the movie in a level that I tend to look back at my old self and think: I should've done that! I really should! It gets me because it talks to the viewers in the ordinary, "regular-people" level. Although it is a Kiwi film, there were very minimal cultural references, and we are all hooked up until the end part, and when Toby said that last word I was about to do a chicken dance, but then, I'm in a crowded MRT train and that won't be possible Clever writing, awesome twist. The detective work that Toby does is amazing. It gave me an idea actually on how I can manipulate someone's life. If I have to proceed with that plan this movie would be my practical guide. When Toby does his stalking, we tend to neglect how the girl would feel, given that the local equivalent of stalking in the Phils is adoring someone and most folks want that kind of attention

VERDICT. Watched it for 3 times. You should too, at least once. You owe yourself that favor

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!