Ok you eggs, let’s get into some feel good viewing.
Scrolling through Netflix and seem to be constantly coming back to Virgin River? Having caught a few episodes, I recommend you save yourself the trouble of trying to digest that American shite-drama (that’s a new genre I just made up) and continue scrolling. Or you could watch Taika Waititi’s 2010 comedy Boy, which is a million times more heartfelt and way more quotable than any of the Netflix Aus’ current top 10.
Set in 1984, the story is about a boy (duh) played by James Rolleston who idolizes his selfish, fresh-out-of-prison father Alamein (Taika Waititi). On the hunt for stash of cash he buried near his family home, Alamein and his gang the Crazy Horses turn out to be nothing but a let down for Boy and his brother Rocky.
It was Taika Waititi’s second film and throughout it you see that goofball humour that would later become his trademark in blockbusters like Hunt For The Wilderpeople and Jojo Rabbit, while also packing an emotional punch. So what are you waiting for? Check out five reasons why you should (re)watch it tonight below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP05fUP9xAo
Unlock those childhood feelings.
No, not the dark ones you’ve repressed, I’m talking about the inner child who believes in magic, plays with imaginary guns and has a goat as a best friend. In all of his writer/director combos (Jojo, Wilderpeople, Two Cars, One Night and this) Taika is able to make us sympathise with these mixed-up kids and view the world through their eyes. It reminds us what it’s like to be a child while also making us not want to be a child.
The egg drinking game
You iig! Try having a shot every time Boy or someone in the film says “egg” and you may die.
The scenery.
Shot in a place called Waihau Bay where Taika actually lived for a part of his childhood, the film features the rolling wheat fields, pebbly streams, and a huge hemp field – all things that make us want to go and explore NZ’s North Island. Known for its fishing, Waihau Bay looks like one of those spots where you’d pull up in your van and not want to leave for a month.
Guilt-free Michael Jackson references.
Being set in 1984 means that everything in Boy takes place before MJ’s child abuse came to light, back when he was simply the greatest artist ever to have lived. That means it’s ok to watch Boy’s attempt at dancing like Michael and laugh… I think…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MTpaxSm8NQ
The soundtrack.
At the end of Boy, the cast perform a ‘Thriller’-style haka to the song ‘Poi E’ by Patea Maori Club which re-entered NZ’s charts when the film came out, reaching number three. It’s just one of a bunch of gems on the soundtrack which Taika slips in, giving viewers a mini-lesson on Maori pop music.
