Hippo

HIPPO is perhaps the weirdest movie in this year’s festival, and also perhaps the one most destined to become a cult classic.

Our hero, Hippo, is an aggressive, narcissistic version of Napoleon Dynamite who enjoys video games, weapons and never being wrong. His adopted Hungarian immigrant sister Buttercup is not comfortable in her own skin but is trying to adapt to the American way of life. She believes that a child of her own, preferably with her stepbrother, would create the family she is looking for. And if that cannot happen, she is open to searching through Craigslist for a sperm donor–and a date. Add in Ethel, their ever forgiving and loving mother who has been institutionalized and has seen one UFO that we know of, and you’re all set for the wild ride that is HIPPO.

This unique coming of age tale is the feature directorial debut of writer/director Mark H. Rapaport. HIPPO is a darkly amusing outsider comedy, yet strangely endearing and full of unsettling turns. The small, but eccentric cast is perfect, and the executive producers include Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, and Jody Hill. You need to see this movie.
“You cannot escape your DNA. This fact is both horrific and hilarious, and I revel in both sides.” – Writer/Director Mark H. Rapaport