DVD Review: Eagle vs. Shark

Writer: Taika Cohen
Director: Taika Cohen
Cast: Joel Tobeck, Brian Sergent, Craig Hall, Loren Horsley, Taika Cohen
Rating: R
Studio: Miramax
Release Date: January 8, 2008

Every now and then I am offered a review copy for something that I am completely unfamiliar with. Eagle Vs. Shark was one of those DVDs. Before I really knew anything about it, the box art was what convinced me to request the movie. It was hard to argue with such an interesting cover. It made me curious about the movie so I decided to pick it up. Generally, at this phase, I will look up a trailer or read more than the general synopsis that I am sent for reviews, in order to find out more and learn what to expect. For some reason, with this review I decided to fly solo and let this excentric, dorky tale of two people tell its own tale.

My immediate thoughts were that the movie was not bad. The characters were given a great amount of thought and depth. In fact, some might say too much was given to these characters. On one hand, it is impressive and something the actors and director can be proud of. Meanwhile, the other hand shows us problems with the film because of this picked at, overwritten, piece of fiction.

Release Information:
Eagle Vs. Shark was released by Miramax, a Disney company. This release, which became available in stores on January 8, 2008, is offered in a one disc set that includes the full featured movie along with a slew of bonus features. You can purchase this at all major Internet and traditional retailers.

The Eagle Vs. Shark Plot
Eagle Vs. Shark revolves around Lily who works at a fast food restaurant, Meaty Boy. Everyday her love interest Jarrod comes in to eat. He works at an electronics store and has no idea that she even exists. On the other hand, she worships the ground that he walks on. When Jarrod decides to have an animal themed party he invites a friend, but Lily steals the pass and crashes the party. Jarrod is obviously not interested, well at least not until she proves to know quite a bit about video games.

Before you know it, the two are a couple, if you want to call it that. Relationships like this are rather interesting because Jarrod is not a real likable character. Actually, he’s someone I’d like to slap. At some point, Jarrod needs to go back home to his family home. It is Lily who steps up, offering a ride with her brother (it’s his car), so all of them end up heading back to Jarrod’s hometown in the countryside of New Zealand.

This trip is taken to settle some problems with an old bully from high school. During this time, you meet what’s left of Jarrod’s dysfunctional family. You also get to learn that Jarrod’s family doesn’t really like him all that much (I can see why). Throughout all of it, Lily is a supportive girlfriend. Even when Jarrod dismisses her presence and support to look for something better, she stands by him. At the heart of things you have a dysfunctional, coming of age drama, with an annoying, unlikeable guy who needs to make the decision to live for the future or to remain in the past.

My main problem is these two main characters. Lily is likeable, when you are not feeling somewhat sorry for her. The actress behind this wimpy character, Loren Horsley, does a beautiful job, but she’s only able to do so much. She is the type of character that you want to see succeed. The primary problem here is that she’s in love with Jarrod and he’s not so likeable. In fact, Jarrod is utterly annoying and despicable. You can stomach them, when necessary, but having them together makes little sense so the film suffers in that respect. There are good moments and the film is watchable, but there are plenty of downs here.

It is cute when Lily sacrifices little things because she wants to show that she likes Jarrod. Eventually though, the revenge storyline takes hold and things become foolish. Furthermore, when the focus is on Jarrod, the film immediately takes a turn for the worst as Lily is certainly the charm in this film. This is not the fault of the actor, who has done well in other things. This is the fault of the writer who wrote a one dimensional jerk that no one cares about for any reason. He is not a likable male protagonist. If you can ignore Jarrod you have hopes of absolutely adoring this picture. If you cannot tolerate his issues then you will have more of a problem with this movie.

In the end, Eagle Vs. Shark is watchable, but never truly fantastic. The moments of greatness end too quickly and what you are left with is something that has a good chance of ruining the good that is there. I suppose that is what you get with two main characters that are so far apart on the spectrum of good and bad.

Storyline/Plot:
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:

Audio/Visual:
The video presentation is offered in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen setting. The picture quality is good and the colors are strong. There is no grain to be seen and everything looks sharp without being too overpowering. The sound is a little more of a letdown. The back speakers are barely touched with this Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround mix. The sound was fine, but it was certainly nothing like you would have expected from a 5.1 mix.

Visual:
Audio:

Bonus Features:
Eagle Vs. Shark offers plenty of special features, though most of them are not entirely impressive. If you’re a special feature fan you might not have a problem with the lot of these, but I found most to be lackluster if not downright boring. The majority of the special features include deleted scenes, a music video, audio commentary, and a discussion with the director.

Bonus Features:

Bottom Line:
Overall, Eagle Vs. Shark offers a look into a completely odd relationship that is formed on the basis of semi-obsession and convenience depending on which side you look at. I will not say that this was my favorite movie because if I did I would be lying. In all fairness though, it wasn’t horrible. Considering the fact that Lily is much more apt to give you hope than Jerrod, how much you want to see this will depend on how much attention you pay to either character. The on-screen clash is interesting, but it is not Jerrod or his attitude that moves this film along. In some ways, he tends to stifle it, though his presence is necessary, obviously. Either way, I would recommend a rent before a purchase. This will protect you from spending too much on a movie that you just cannot enjoy.

Overall Rating:

Technorati Tags: Eagle vs. Shark, Comedy, Love Story, Disney, Home Entertainment, Movie, DVD Review

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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
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Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.