Review of Moonrise Kingdom (2012) by Evan G — 02 Nov 2013

(**1/2 ) I'm kind of on the fence about Wes Anderson in general, like much of the viewing audience. This movie was pretty much what I was expecting, and was good though it didn't move me as much as I thought it would.

The problem I have with this film is similar to the problem I have with many Anderson films. It just kind of depressed me. I feel like his films are supposed to be much more up-lifting than they are. For me the overwhelming melancholy just doesn't allow any brightness to shine through. Adults are, as usual, inept and somewhat hateful to children in every way. The only ones who seem nice and helpful are those who still have childish issues, like the scout leader played by Ed Norton. It's just such a sad world that I can't really enjoy the little moments of happiness. I want to, but I can't.

On the upside, this movie does excel in many areas. The style of filmmaking is very intriguing, with the unusual and very intentional flow from shot to shot. It helps to convey a sense of unsettling order which the kids will do their best to corrupt. The two leads are definitely intriguing, but they too have very sad histories and mental illnesses. This plays into the primary theme of the movie, which is how to handle children with psychological problems, and how to find true happiness outside the rules of society. It's just not a very inspiring message to me.

Sorry if this review sounds more critical than complimentary, but I still rated the film fresh because I still think it's good. But in the face of such incredible praise I felt it necessary to defend why I think it's just not in the category of great films.