Ihaka: Blunt Instrument

I hadn't planned on watching this movie, so I actually missed the first couple of minutes. However, from the moment Temuera Morrison's character, the "knuckle-dragging" Det. Sgt. Ihaka, appeared on screen, I found myself hooked. The film isn't very PC in places, most notably in Ihaka's no-nonsense attitude towards criminals or his superiors, nor is it going to win any awards but the acting was generally above average and the plot was intriguing. I especially liked Rebecca Gibney's character and found her to be superior to her Halifax F.P. character. The last 20 minutes have a couple of surprises and I liked the ending.

I should also note that a lot of the humour is very Antipodean, so those outside of Australia and New Zealand might not get it.

"Ihaka: Blunt Instrument" is all about Ihaka (Morrison), a New Zealand no nonsense macho Maori cop with a penchant for taking matters into his own hands and solving problems with his fists. In this installment he his shipped off to Australia where he teams up with a beautiful desk jockey cop (Gibney) and together they go off to solve a murder. A banal, mediocre effort, this film suffers from stiff performances from the two leads, a sophomoric script, an unimaginative storyline, and more. What the minds behind the film wanted is obvious but what they deliver is a second rate waste of acting talent. Recommended for Aussies, Kiwi's, Maori's, and others with an interest in the regional TV fare. (C)

Note - Morrison's powerful performance in "Once Were Warriors" is evidence of potential which is wasted in "Ihaka".

Temuera Morrison and Rebecca Gibney do a lot with a little in this made-for-TV cop movie. Story, direction-and some performances-are a bit rough, but the two stars have the chops to carry the story.

Decent enough flick - quite entertaining for a movie of its limited production value and genre. It was interesting to see an Australian / Kiwi version of a "buddy flick". The title and character development led me to believe that it might have been part of a series of movies based upon the main character (or maybe a TV pilot) but sadly, it isn't. It is, however, worth a look if you catch it on cable - but I wouldn't adjust my schedule around seeing it.

I haven't a lot to say, other than Rebecca Gibney is always good, the scenery is wonderful, but the the plot is a boring flat tire. Checked out the last 15 minutes...