Review of Isle of Dogs (2018) by Ahmed A — 20 Jun 2018
There is no need to say that this movie is visually stunning, beautifully stop-motion animated, or that it has imaginative, creative, and above all that a heart-warming story, nor it's necessary to praise it for its witty visual humor using the setting, the symmetric cinematography, etc. Simply, because it's a Wes Anderson movie!
What should be mentioned are the pros of this very movie. And, of course, Isle of Dogs, as any Wes Anderson movie, has what distinguishes it from any other Wes Anderson movie. In fact, there are three new pluses here. First, and foremost, the visually storytelling. Yes, I know it's not a new thing to say about a Wes Anderson movie, but there is no Wes Anderson movie, nor any stop-motion animated movie that has used its visuals to tell its story in this way. Specially, when you know that this movie has many scenes where there is no dialogue in English, just in Japanese, or where there are just Japanese subtitles!
The second great thing about Isle of Dogs is the voice cast. Sorry Fantastic Mr. Fox, I love you even more, but here the cast really adds up to the movie. The cast isn't star-studded just because it's a Wes Anderson movie, but every single actor, or actress, really made every character feels distinctive. Bryan Cranston, who voices Chief, is easily the best. His vocal performance here is undeniably one of the best in any animated movie from the last, say, five years. But really all the cast shines in this movie. Edward Norton is my second favorite.
At last but not least, comes the music score from the Oscar winner, Alexandre Desplat. It has some Western touch in it, along with a traditional Japanese music. What a wonderful soundtrack! It really sticks in my mind long after watching the movie!.
As I mentioned above, I prefer Fantastic Mr. Fox to Isle of Dogs. That's because Isle of Dogs, unlike any other Wes Anderson movie, is convoluted for its own good. That didn't hurt the movie as whole, except at the third act, which is quite rushed and messy. Also, I wanted the character of Atari to feel more life-like person. Because I felt he was overshadowed by the dogs. Nevertheless, Atari is a well-developed character.
Isle of Dogs may didn't live up to my expectations, but still it is my favorite animated movie of 2018 so far!
(8/10).
This review of Isle of Dogs (2018) was written by Ahmed A on 20 Jun 2018.
Isle of Dogs has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
