Wes Anderson has done it again with his latest film MOONRISE KINGDOM (2012), a lovely piece of work that I will likely see again in theatres.
Set in 1965 on an island off the New England coast, we follow young Khaki scout Sam (Jared Gilman) and hapless Suzy (Kara Hayward) as they flee from their troubled lives in search of idyllic peace. They find love, adventure and finally peace with their lives.
Yes, that’s the short of it. A lot happens, but I’d rather you saw the film for yourselves, it’s not laziness on my part I assure you. I feel it’s the best live action film Wes Anderson has done since Rushmore, certainly the most heartfelt and untouched by the growing preciousness of his latter films. And after his experience on Fantastic Mr. Fox (which was most excellent), I can see even more animation technique slip into his live action work, to terrific storybook effect. Once again he has summoned a terrific cast to fill out the adult parts (Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Bruce Willis, Ed Norton, Tilda Swinton), and his sure-handed direction of his child actors has not let up at all. Cinematographer Robert Yeomen does wonders with the Super 16 film format, it works so perfectly for the visual palette of this film. Composer Alexander Desplat once again provides enchanting music, he’s one of the best modern composers around period.
Go see it! It has real magic to it, and we need more fantasies in our lives.
Viewed on July 1st, 2012 at the Montgomery Cinemas in Skillman NJ
James Fazzaro 