Eagle vs. Shark

Unlike the majority of vs. films, this one doesn't pitch mutated titular creatures against each other in a spectacular death match. Instead it is an indie comedy that sits well next to descriptions such as "quirky" and "offbeat". The shark is a never complaining, somewhat naive girl serving burgers waiting expectantly for Jarrod to come in. Jarrod, our Eagle, is focussed on a mission of revenge.
With two losers in the frame, themes of loss, desperation, eagerness to please and childhood hang ups come tumbling out. With Jarrod and Lily though, these episodes are tragically comical, largely thanks to Jared's unbelievable childishness.

Jared is played by Jermaine Clement who you may recognise from Flight of the Conchords. His character here is like a distillation of that characters desperation and child-like stupidity infused with some anger management issues. I spent half the film wodering what he'd be like if he grew up and the other half wodering what I'd be like if I still clung to childhood grievances. Maybe I should do some hard core kung-Fu training and use facebook to look up a nemesis or Two? Perhaps that would improve my prospects?

Lily is a character to root for. She may be a bit simple but she's a "good" person that you insinctively feel deserves better than life has given her. When all she asks for is Jarrod you can't help but feel that it's a small ask. So it's great that Jarrod thinks so much of himself he doesn't doesn't respond with excited gratitude.

Like a lot of indie comedies, this isn't gut bustingly funny. More mirthful generally but a satisfying watch with a good laugh or two along the way.