In Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Taika Waititi searches for our emotions underneath a woven tapestry of genius comedy. It is a joy to watch this interplay and celebrate a level of cleverness unique to this brilliant filmmaker.

Waititi and his acumen are on display from the start as Ricky Baker (Dennsion) is introduced with an offbeat list of his calculated offenses.

As Uncle Hec (Neill) and Ricky gain momentum on the run, Paula (House) and the rest of law enforcement display an outrageous and inept charm. Ricky and Hec are subjected to unintended consequences that keep layering to form a gloriously uplifting movie drawing upon such topics as coping with loss, foster care, growing up, growing old and patience. Even the most painfully sad moment is punctuated with a tactfully humorous barb.

Sam Neill is a wonderful grump who arcs away from curmudgeon to deliver a truly heartfelt performance and Rhys Darby cameos to perfection as the eccentric Psycho Sam.

We welcome Waititi back to the Film Clas Elite with 4.9 napkins out of 5 and honor Ricky Baker with this thoughtfully prepared haiku:

Here in Burlington
This film made us laugh out loud
Popcorn is all gone