Boy from New Zealand

It is always nice to learn of a sleeper hit. At the 2010 Sundance Film Festival a funny little indie film from New Zealand with lots of fresh faces and hilarious moments called Boy generated a ton of laughs and lots a of word of mouth; however, director Taika Waititi left Sundance without a distribution a U.S. distribution deal.

Waititi took Boy back to New Zealand where it has become a hit on its home turf. Now, as usual, Hollywoodteurs are back -- as they can now see the potential greenery. Boy and Waititi has secured an U.S. distribution deal with Mark Urman's Paladin.

Set in New Zealand in 1984, the film focuses on an 11-year-old "boy" (James Rolleston) who grows up in the remote Maori community of Waihau Bay. "Boy" is obsessed with Michael Jackson and imagining his long absent father (Waititi) is a world traveler. However, when his dad returns, he is an eccentric loser who has served a stretch for robbery. Together, they try to come to grips with one another and develop a lovable neo-non-traditional father-son relationship.

Definitely waiting for showtimes for this one.

NEW ON DVD: Boy A

Awhile ago I read about the film Boy A starring the new/next Spiderman, Andrew Garfield. Garfield is a brilliant young talent. He is Sean Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, Edward Norton and Joseph Gordon-Levitt all rolled up into a sinewy unaffected boy-next-door type. After watching Boy A, I only hope he continues on with his craft and shaloms through Hollywood 3-D pics and summer tentpoles to secure great material to truly showcase his budding talent.

Having to restart a life sidetracked at pre-adolescence, now 24 years old, Boy A, Jack (Andrew Garfield), is starting life. Recently released from prison with a new name, new location and new job, Jack embarks upon life as Jack. Aided by Terry (Peter Mullan), his parole contact who becomes like a father to him, Jack hesitantly reclaims life, forms friendships and learns, he too is beautiful, as he enters into a relationship with a passionate young woman.

When tragedy strikes close to work, Jack's good deed is rewarded yet unleashes all of the secrets of the heinous crime he committed as a boy. Although Jack has served his time for this, as we learn more about the crime which has ruined so many lives, the suspense is heightened, the intrigue unfolds and outcome is heartbreak.

Jack learns that it is not so easy to escape your past or to pay for your crime.