Are you ready for more horrible stereotyping generalisations about a place in the world rich in culture, history and heritage? This week, we look at New Zealand! Here are some things I like about the place:
J
onah Lomu Rugby (1997) The man mountain puts his name to EA Sport’s rugby game and they manage to make it as easy as FIFA to pick up and play, no matter how much or little you know or have interest in the sport of egg-chasing.
Lord of the Rings (2001) Peter Jackson brings the notoriously unfilmable JRR Tolkein novel to the silver screen finding the perfect setting in his homeland. For those of us who have never visited the islands, as most good films tend to do it makes you want to visit this distant magical land.
Flight of the Conchords (2003) Off the wall humour, some awesome songs and a cast of likeable comic geniuses make for an original sitcom, set in New York but spawning the careers of 2 very talented New Zealanders.
Following its success Brett McKenzie went on to win an Oscar with Best Original Song from The Muppets (2011) and Jemaine Clement starred in the summer blockbuster Men in Black 3 (2012). Fun fact – McKenzie actually made a brief appearance in the Lord of the Rings and was given a speaking part in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012).
Ladyhawke and Empire of the Sun (2008) – 2 great debut albums from 2 of New Zealand’s finest imports the strength of these were the singles that came off of them. Very catchy stuff.