Bookworm

When a little domestic incident with the toaster sees her mum in hospital, the young "Mildred" (Nell Fisher) finds she is to be looked after by her dad. Thing is, she hasn't seen him before - ever, and so the arrival of the enigmatically clad "Strawn Wise" (Elijah Wood) who makes his living as an illusionist, proves distinctly underwhelming to this rather cynical young girl. He is keen to please, though, so when she suggests they go camping to try and spot a legendary black panther that's been marauding the countryside he readily agrees. Backpacks and camera at the ready, off they go on a trek that sees their relationship rather predictably, but entertainingly, evolve. Along the way, there's some scoring that's distinctly Morricone, they encounter the menacingly leprechaun-esque "Arnold" (Michael Smiley) and his sidekick "Zo" (Morgana O'Reilly) and there's plenty of adventure as they seek evidence of this big black cat (and earn the $50,000 reward that proof of it's existence brings). There's a jolly chemistry here between Fisher and Wood, the writing gives her plenty of opportunity for some sardonic wit and there is also an enjoyably mischievous joy emanating from a Wood who's clearly enjoying himself back in a NZ devoid or "Orcs". The cinematography shows off the countryside well and the whole story has something of the Children's Film Foundation to it. It's nice too see the emphasis of a film focus more on the script and the characters for a change, and with precisely no CGI and loads of mushrooms, this is quite good fun. Just how, though, did her legs get under that great big tree in the first place?

Much of what kept me watching this film was seeing Elijah Wood, carrying a backpack, tramping about the glorious scenery of New Zealand once more. It was not so long ago when he played a hobbit... I agree with reviewers that this film falls apart half way through, and the ending feels horribly forced. The acting is competent as are the technical elements, but the characters are caricatures and I found myself not really caring about them. There's a bit of unnecessary dialog at the end that's totally inappropriate for young viewers. Starts off with some good ideas but, like the trek in the film, completely loses its way.

NZ dramedy "Bookworm" (from director Ant Timpson & writer Toby Harvard) starts strong but collapses BADLY. When nerdy, arrogant 11yr old (note to film-makers: obnoxious kids are NOT charming) Nell Fisher's mum has an accident her biological magician dad Elijah Wood jets from the US to care for her - despite not having met her before (and only knowing her mum for two hours 12yrs prior). Even less plausibly they then head off to find a mythical panther in the remote wilderness... where even LESS plausibly they 'bond' (especially after meeting Michael Smiley & Vanessa Stacey). It's not funny, it's not poignant, it is a confused & messy turd - flush it far away.

I love wilderness adventure films, but I hadn't gotten too much of an idea of the plot before I watched it. The child actor was fine but came off as annoying. I'm glad the dad character gave her some comeuppance. The strange couple and illusionist side of the story intrigued me whereas the father-daughter relationship failed to engage me. And I gotta say, whys everyone dissing on the couple? I genuinely thought they were quite funny. The directors did a good job at capturing typical married west coast-ers. Sometimes I felt like this movie was borderline copying Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Oh, and the panther, forgot about that. Yeah, that was more of a subplot in the movie. In the end, though, it was pretty heartfelt and some fine family entertainment.

Elijah Wood was pretty good with the script he was given. The premise was good, a father/ daughter getting to know each other. The girls script was superficial and lacked depth. Not relatable at all. The sub plot with the was odd at best with the couple.

What I mostly couldn't get over was the multi-day hiking was the tent, the gear, the food, the size of the packs etc. There is no way they could carry that stuff with the bags they had. I know I should've got over it. But they were wearing denim? In the outdoors? Shocking.

The music and sound choices were very budget and lacked imagination. I'm guessing the director went online and downloaded all the free ones.