REVIEW: Moonrise Kingdom

 There are no spoilers in this review.

PLOT: A pair of young lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out and find them.


THE GOOD: Story. There was something trying to stop Bethany and I from seeing Moonrise Kingdom. Just like what happens to the two main young characters in the film, forces were at work doing everything they could to keep us away from each other. Shortly after the beginning of the year, Moonrise Kingdom shot to the top of my most anticipated films list. I love Wes Anderson movies and this seemed like the quirkiest of them all. I even got the poster for the film and hung it up in our living room. The first attempt for us to see it was ruined by a call from our babysitter that Coral needed us. Strike 1. My second attempt came when my wife and kids went down to Oregon and due to a theatre cancelling one of their showtimes for another film (I effin' hate you, Century Theatres), it threw off my movie watching schedule and I missed it. Strike 2. The third attempt occured when my co-worker needed a ride to the airport. His flight wasn't until later in the evening, so we decided to go check out Moonrise Kingdom on the way down. Well, we hit massive traffic and didn't make the showtime. Strike 3. And that movie was outta there! As in, wasn't in theatres anymore. But finally... FINALLY, it's on DVD/Blu-ray and Bethany and I got the chance to sit down and watch the flick. It was worth all of the effort. Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom is certainly one of my favorite films of the year. There's the quirk, the charm, the art... it's all there. It's everything you could ever want from Anderson. How this man continues to create such capturing and unique stories is beyond me.

Well, I found my Halloween costume for next year! Now, where can I find a cheap pink dress?

Wes Anderson. There are certainly recognizable trademarks of Wes Anderson in this movie, but there are some new things, too. This is the first time he shot on 16mm film. The effect is great. He also decided to film the movie in 1.85:1 ratio, which he hasn't done since Bottle Rocket. The color pallet is great with its browns, and greens, and reds. Most importantly, the dialogue is sweet, concise, and deliciously inventive. Wes Anderson is one of the best filmmakers of our era.

Music. Music supervisor Randall Poster did another amazing job working with Anderson on getting some great pieces for this movie. It definitely sets the tone from the very beginning with songs from Benjamin Britten, Hank Williams, Mozart, and more. Loved it.

This is how I spend all of my weekends.

THE BAD: Acting. I know they're just kids and haven't really done anything before, but it shows a little too much for me when it comes to Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, the two young stars of the film. Sometimes it works to their advantage when it comes to the awkward situations, but most of the time, the words seem forced out of their little mouths. I also wasn't overly blown away by any of the supporting cast. Bruce Willis seems like a good fit in a Wes Anderson movie, but something wasn't working for me. I just don't think he's good at being quirky. Edward Norton also wasn't that impressive. Felt out of place. Frances McDormand is also a choice I would not have gone with, but whatever. I would say that the only two that made good sense to me were Bill Murray because... well, after making six films with Wes Anderson, he has to be good, and Tilda Swinton. Something about her is very Wes Andersony to me. Maybe it's her looks. Hmm...


THE END: Moonrise Kingdom is a genius movie and will be on my top ten of the year. As for it being Anderson's best movie, that is hard for me to say. With Wes Anderson films, the latest one I've watched is my favorite. So, while it may be Moonrise Kingdom now, it could very well change the next time I watch Rushmore, or The Royal Tenebaums, or Fantastic Mr. Fox. If you enjoyed any of Wes Anderson's previous films, you must see this. If you hate his movies, you will also hate this.


DISCUSS: What did you think of Moonrise Kingdom? What is your favorite Wes Anderson film? What did you think of the music? What did you think of the acting?

 Easily one of the best scenes of the year.