Review of Moonrise Kingdom (2012) by Ryan H — 09 Sep 2016

Moonrise Kingdom is another great film from one of the best auteurs working today. After seeing this year's The Grand Budapest Hotel, I knew that I needed to visit this film which slipped through the cracks for me in 2012.

The movie is beautifully shot in Anderson's trademarked tea-stained filter and symmetrical compositions. His humor and wit are also in full force. My only complaint with the film is that it feels perhaps a little indulgent. It's almost too Wes Anderson-y for its own good. Maybe it's cliché, but I feel like hipster kids must eat this shit up like candy. Does that make it a bad film? Of course not. But it's like listening to a guy that really loves to hear himself talk.

Edward Norton is the best casting decision in the movie- he was perfect for the role of the master scout. I don't blame the child actors for their sometimes mediocre performances- it rare that actors that young deliver anything astounding (it was both the young actors' first film, so in light of that, they were pretty stinkin' good.).

It's worth your time checking out, especially if you enjoy Anderson's other works. It not my favorite film from his filmography, but it has so much charm and beauty that you'll probably find it a delightful diversion.