Adventure

Family

Comedy

Drama

Bookworm

Firefly Films

Nowhere

New Zealand

United States of America

English

Nell Fisher

Elijah Wood

Michael Smiley

Vanessa Stacey

Morgana O'Reilly

Millen Baird

Nikki Si'ulepa

Theo Shakes

Miranda Rivers

Dan Kircher

John Allan

Jaindra Watson

Stef Knight

Karl Sölve Steven

Karyn Rachtman

Andres Rätsepp

Blair Ward

Anders Erdén

Lauren Case

Michelle Craig

Piero Frescobaldi

Kelly Rogers

Kevin Gordon

Ant Timpson

Toby Harvard

Jake Rice

Roxi Bull

Victoria Dabbs

Mette-Marie Kongsved

Laura Tunstall

Ryan Cole

Daniel Katz

Steven Demmler

Emma Slade

CinemaSerf

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?

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