The Hope College Knickerbocker Fall Film Series will show the adventurous dramatic comedy “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” on Monday-Saturday, Oct. 3-8, at 7:30 p.m.
Directed by Taika Waititi and based on the book by Barry Crump, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is an award-winning New Zealand film portraying a national manhunt ordered for a rebellious foster kid from the big city and a grouchy bushman in his sixties who go missing and how they are able to overcome their differences together in the wilderness.
Tim Grierson of ScreenDaily has said that the film is “Warmly funny and deeply delightful.” Russ Fischer of the Nerdist has described the film as an “Infectiously entertaining adventure,” and Boyd van Hoeij of the Hollywood Reporter has said that it is “A deliciously good time.”
Set in the New Zealand bush, “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” follows the soon-to-be 13-year-old Ricky (Julian Dennison), who is a foster child being placed with an older couple, Aunty Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and Uncle Hec (Sam Neill). Ricky quickly bonds with the nurturing Aunty Bella, but a familiar relationship with grumpy Uncle Hec may take longer to develop. After tragedy strikes, Ricky runs away. When Uncle Hec tracks him down, they both go on the run in the wilderness together. Since both Ricky and Uncle Hec are in the bush and unreachable, social services authorizes a manhunt, thinking that Uncle Hec may have kidnapped Ricky.
Following “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” the Knickerbocker Fall Film Series will continue with “Life, Animated,” showing Monday-Saturday, Oct. 10-15, and “The Man Who Knew Infinity,” showing Monday-Saturday, Nov. 14-19. All films begin at 7:30 p.m.
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is rated PG-13.
Tickets for the individual films are $7 for regular admission and $6 for senior citizens, Hope College faculty and children. Tickets will be sold at the door but are also available in advance at the Events and Conferences Office located downtown in the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. Eighth St.). The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at (616) 395-7890.
The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in downtown Holland at 86 E. Eighth St.