Jon (Dean O’Gorman), a failing, homeless writer, teams up with Luke (James Rolleston) on the run after stealing a car, and Keira (Ashleigh Cummings), a vegan activist, to become accidental outlaws and unlikely friends. In a stolen yellow mini and trailed closely by police and a media frenzy, the trio attempt to travel the length of New Zealand as Jon desperately tries to reach his ex-fiancé to rectify his past mistakes.
Pork Pie is a remake of the 1980 film Goodbye Pork Pie. The film is so enjoyable in its absurdity that it’s near impossible to fault. The plot moves at a good pace, with a perfect balance of heart-felt backstory and fiery car chases. Jon is endearingly funny and loveable despite his many flaws, as are the Luke and Keira. Interesting visuals and innovative cinematography in certain scenes keep the audience entertained even in the slower scenes, but the film’s casual humour is without a doubt its best quality.
The long chase scenes can, in some points, feel like one long advertisement for the Mini’s rallying capabilities, and there is a lot of Mini pride emphasised throughout. However, the chase scenes are fresh and exciting, using both the city and country scenery of New Zealand in an interesting way.
Keira is the only character who seems to lack some significant character arc; she begins defiant and ends defiant, seemingly not having learnt anything or progressed as a character beyond the stereotype of the rebellious indie vegan.
Final note on the film: the after credits shots are cheesy and jarring compared to the tone of the rest of the film, and seem to undermine the pared back style of alternative, absurdist humour. However, this is a film that refused to be pinned down by a single genre, and is simultaneously moving, hilarious, and gripping as it ups the stakes constantly, to an epic and explosive end. I rate this film 9/10.
