Love Birds (2011 film)

Plot

Doug (Rhys Darby) lives in the perfect no worry world but his life shatters when long term girlfriend Susan (Faye Smythe) dumps him. Though Doug discovers an injured duck and starts to nurse it better. This new found motivation propels Doug into a new journey in his life which causes him to fall in love with veterinarian Holly (Sally Hawkins). Though the path to love is never easy and just when you think you've got a handle on it, it takes flight. Susan comes back into his life, and Doug must learn a valuable lesson, lean on his friends and follow his heart.

Cast

The film also includes cameo appearances by former International Cricketers Allan Border and Ian Smith

Critical reception

Love Birds received mixed reviews upon release with Kate Rodger of TV3 saying the story "feels a little laboured, as does the humour" and giving it 2 and a half stars out of five. However Russell Baillie of the New Zealand Herald praised the film giving it 4 out of 5, calling it an "endearingly funny, if sugar-coated local romantic comedy." Graeme Tuckett of the Dominion Post also gave the film 4 out of 5 saying: "Love Birds does what it does just fine. There is Queen on the soundtrack, love in the air, and quite probably a smile on your face as the credits roll."

Despite the film's overall mixed reviews, Rhys Darby received an overwhelmingly positive reception with reviewers quoted as saying; "Rhys Darby steals the show again, but in a very different role to what we are used to seeing him play. He plays the relatively straight role of a typical Kiwi bloke, but there is no hiding the charm and likeability he brings to the big screen." and "He's an affable, believable and extremely convincing lead - and based on this alone, he's destined for even greater things."