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 :-)

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.

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