Sione's Wedding

I loved this movie - you really feel the friendship amongst these guys - it's not a perfect movie in the "Three Act Structure/Everyone has an arc way" - but it's funny and real and the guys are easy to relate to - and it's ultimately emotional. I understand why it's a big hit in NZ. I think the actors were all in a comedy troupe together which explains their chemistry. It's interesting that the Samoan culture in NZ seems to be akin to the black/hip-hop culture in the States - they even have their version of the "wigger". I also like that the flick is fairly natural - not to broad like a lot of comedies. It was also interesting to learn more about the Samoan community - they weren't too heavy handed with the racial angle though. It reminded me a bit of a cross between Wedding Crashers and Diners. Seems ripe for a Yank remake.

OK it was predictable that Oscar would go to the wedding with his co worker but hey Four Weddings and a Funeral was pretty predictable. I loved Siones Wedding as black. white or Brindle boys will be boys. I must admit i haven't been to many weddings where the Police and The Fire Dept have arrived! The scene shot from out of the taxi back window of Oscar calling "ruth" was one of the classics of any movie I have seen. And at the end of the day don't we want to come out of a movie with that feel good emotion ? Good on you John Barnett for the idea. Thoroughly recommended and even though i don't live in Auckland now i loved seeing the landmarks and trying to recognized the parks etc !

I just came back from the Blenheim Cinema and all I could think of was to tell as many people as I could that I just watched a totally brilliant kiwi film. The film is more or less about 4 Samoan friends in their thirties and their quest to find a date to bring with them to Sione's (Pua Magasiva) wedding. The film is a brilliant portrayal of life in the contemporary Samoan community of Auckland, sort of reinforcing the stereotypical Kiwi Samoan guy. This film reminds me a lot of Australia's 2000 film "The Wog Boy" which is centered around the antics of a couple of guys from Melbourne's Italian & Greek community which reinforces those ethnic stereotypes as well.

I found Oscar Knightley's performance as "Albert" a shy guy in his thirties who still lives with his mum to be totally outstanding, his acting was very genuine and convincing.

The story was strong and held together very well, the movie was very straight to the point without any needless scenes that causes the mind to wander.

The Cinematography was great, I love all the scenes of Auckland, really gave it that "Aucklandy feel" if you know what I mean.

I think New Zealand should be making more films based around the lives of the Pacific Islander communities, this would give the world a broader picture of life in contemporary New Zealand.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good comedy and at the same time would like a peek into the life and times of Auckland's Samoan community.

A brilliant combination of good jokes, clever sight gags and neat characters.

OK, it's a bit contrived in parts and you can pretty much guess the story and its outcomes after seeing the trailer, but it does handle things differently enough to be very rewarding. Fun, funny and surprisingly well acted.

Oscar Kightley and the rest of the Naked Samoan group play with racial stereotypes in their usual harmlessly funny way. They make the point without shoving it down your throat. The humour is not your typical Hollywood style; which gives the whole production a certain freshness.

The only thing that lets the film down a little is the director's choice to do sequences of still frame shots (in music video style). It really doesn't have any impact other than to become annoying. Fortunately, it doesn't get out of control.

On the whole, though, it was a fantastic film. I can't wait to see it again.

Siones Wedding is a kiwi comedy with a Polynesian twist.

It has all the right ingredients to make this movie enjoyable for all ages. (Well maybe not the under 13's due to some sexual references).

The plot is basically, four close friends from childhood are all in their thirties and not showing any signs of growing up. They have a reputation of spoiling important events at family/friends functions due to their immaturity and fondness for alcohol. (These are caught on home video which will have you in stitches!) Due to their latest antics the family and friends have their church minister inform them that are banned from attending Siones (Totally over-acted by Pua Magasiva) wedding which is Michaels (Robbie Magasiva) brother (both off and on screen). They offer the idea of them all attending with respectable partners to the minister, to which he and Sione agree. So you get the idea now right?

Oscar Knightley plays Albert, a shy 30ish guy still living at home with his mum. He came across as very genuine, likable but most importantly believable.

Leilani, was convincingly portrayed by Teuila Blakely as Sefas long suffering live in girlfriend.

Sefa (Shimpal Lelisi)has the ability to make you laugh by facial expressions alone and Stan (Iaheto Ah Hi) has a wild time waiting for his dream girl from a chat line (a la Hot Gossip, yeah, you know!)

Derek (David Van Horn) the European guy at Alberts office who tries to speak Samoan is a total crack up! Ma low eeoowsoo!

For the girls, your eye candy is Robbie and Pua Magasiva, and for the guys it is Maryjane McKibbon-Schwenke.

Sure the movie is predictable, but don't let that in the least stop you from seeing it. You will not be disappointed, go in expecting little and come out feeling good about spending your $14.00. This movie is well worth it!

The only thing that bugged me was the jail scene which is a total Fresh Prince of Bel Air rip off. But whats done is done!

Go and see it, a great date movie.