Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Kara Hayward, Jared Gilman
Language: English
Duration: 94 min.
Rating: 7.5
Summary:
In 1965, a pair of twelve-year-old lovers flee their New England island town, prompting a local search party led by the Sheriff to fan out to find them.
Moonrise Kingdom is a film directed by Wes Anderson, co-written with Roman Coppola. It premiered as the opening film in competition at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

The world of Wes Anderson is a weird and wonderful place. For nearly two decades now, he has entertained us with a unique confluence of nostalgic style and ironic humor that is unmistakably his own. With this his latest effort, he once again quite gloriously projects this singular vision onto the screen. A richly detailed, brilliantly cast, and gorgeously photographed film that just might be his most dazzling and accomplished one to date.

The film is set in 1965 and follows twelve year old couple Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward), both outcasts in their own way, and residents of a small idyllic New England island town, who conspire to run away from home and discover love, friendship, and adventure, while the local sheriff (Bruce Willis), Sam's scout troop leader (Edward Norton), and Suzy's parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) desperately search for them.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Right from the opening frame, Anderson employs all his signature cinematic tricks to introduce us to his magical world and quirky characters. Immersing us with a distinct synchronized soundtrack, meticulously detailed set and costume design, and a long fluid tracking shot that feels like a page from a Richard Scarry book come to life.

Visually this film is pure cinematic candy. Lush saturated colors that look as close to the long extinct Technicolor dye-transfer process as it gets. Perfectly selected costumes, all carefully accessorized down to the most minute detail; along with equally painstakingly decorated sets and picturesque locations. All of which are expertly framed such that literally every screenshot could be a postcard or a poster on the wall.

The ensemble cast is full of blockbuster caliber talent but the film is really led by the two unknowns. Here all of the household names gladly play support for the young and inexperienced but amazingly natural Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, who share a playful chemistry that always feels genuine despite the heightened artificial universe in which their characters exist.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Additionally, the third act was by far the most impressive and thrilling sequence of filmmaking Anderson has crafted in his career. Manic pacing, intense effects, and an exciting climax that made excellent and amusing use of the guest stars in the cast. 

Now having said all that, Moonrise Kingdom is a film that I definitely enjoyed very much, but for reasons I can't quite exactly pin down, it failed to really sweep me off my feet or give me a strong emotional reaction. Maybe it's because over the years I've gotten used to Anderson's style, and while it will always be unique, it no longer feels refreshing. Maybe it's because my childhood was nothing even remotely similar to the story presented, giving me little to personally connect with. Or maybe the film is really just too safe, too cute, too slight, and too superficial for its own good.

Whatever the case, in the end I found it to be a delightfully fun and visually enchanting film worth the price of admission, but somehow not profound, affecting, or challenging enough to make me love it as much as I wanted to.
Bonjour Tristesse
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

24 comments:

David Zou said...

Great screencaps,Anderson is going to make his next film in Europe,let's hope something refreshing will turn up

The Angry Lurker said...

I'd give it a go just for the director and the cast he assembled.

FrontRoomCinema said...

I do want to see this, even though I am probably the only person on the planet who isn't a fan of Anderson...

365 moviesandsongs365 said...

quote: "might be his most dazzling and accomplished one to date." I may have to give Moonrise Kingdom a look on dvd later on considering the positive reviews.
Usually I am not a fan of Wes and his method of telling a story, so his latest is not at the top of my watch list.
I'm confused, is this a kids film, or for nostalgic adults?

Michaël Parent said...

Excellent review! I'm really looking forward to see this film. It's probably my most wanted film of the year. I hope I won't be disappointed...

Lisa Thatcher said...

Oh - I just reviewed this myself!
I really liked this film - and I can't say I was a huge fan of Anderson before, but I got a lot out of this. It was beautifully made, intelligent and delightful all together. It grew on me over a couple of days - I felt distanced from it at first, but over the next few hours really grew to like it. I want to see it again now!

ruth said...

I don't always go for Wes Anderson's films, but this one has enchanted me ever since I saw the first trailer. Glad you found this one delightful, hope I can catch this before its theatrical run is over.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks David, that is interesting news it will be interesting to see what he does with that. As for the screenshots, I actually would have chosen some different ones, but when reviewing a new release, you don't get a whole lot of choice.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

It is the best cast he's assembled. No Owen Wilson is a big plus haha.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Judging from the comments here, you aren't alone. But I don't really think this film will change your mind about him.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Definitely a film for nostalgic adults, and if you don't like his style then I doubt this one will convert you but it will be interesting to hear your thoughts if you do see it.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks Michaël, has it not opened in Quebec yet?

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Yeah I think I'm the same way, The Royal Tenenbaums is the only one I really fell in love with, and it's been already been quite awhile since I had the urge to watch it again.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I waited a few days after seeing it to see if it would grow on me as well, but it just didn't happen. It was still all those things you say, it just didn't ignite a spark in me.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks Ruth, I hope you get around to seeing it, it is well worth watching on the big screen.

Michaël Parent said...

Not yet! I think it opens this friday. Unfortunately, I won't be able to have it in English. I'm kind of late when it comes to new releases because I hate dubbed films.

3guys1movie said...

I look forward to checking this film out soon. Hopefully, this weekend as it is finally playing a bit closer to us. enjoyed checking out your review.

Diana said...

Great review BT! As you said, I am sure everyone agrees it is a visually beautiful film and very enjoyable! I also understand when you say it didn't sweep you off your feet, but I think that was intentional, the whole movie was very static and awkward and of course, it works for some, but not all!

Paul @ Lasso The Movies said...

I have always loved Wes Anderson's movies, so I am sure I will love watching this one as well. I think his movies are always beautiful to watch and I always end up laughing.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks! I'll be looking out for your review of it.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks Diana. Yeah it had all the right ingredients for me to fall head over heels for but it just didn't quite do it.

Bonjour Tristesse said...

I'm sure that will be the case as well. I think it would be hard to find any established fan of his that won't enjoy this film. Thanks for the comment Paul.

The Warning Sign said...

Really looking forward to seeing this one. I'm not usually a big fan of Anderson, but this looks promising. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

Bonjour Tristesse said...

Thanks, I hope you find it just as enjoyable.

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