Moonrise Kingdom

[kevinknapman]

Wow. A Wes Anderson film that's been out for three days and still no page of it's own. I realise Anderson is an acquired taste but still. Luckily it's one I've had ever since seeing Rushmore and I don't think he's made a dud yet. Though I've only ever seen The Darjeeling Limited once (it does have one of the greatest openings of all his films though, Bill Murray running for a train in slow motion to The Kinks 'This Time Tomorrow').

Anyway on to Moonrise Kingdom and I think it's safe to say I loved this. As utterly charming as I wanted it to be. Sure it is Anderson at his most whimsical (non-fans probably need not bother), with many of his trademark shots present and correct. So plenty of perfectly symmetrical shots, cross sections of houses as the camera glides from room to room, fast zooms into characters faces. All to the point where it does almost become like a Wes Anderson parody but not too much that it becomes a problem. Anderson's incredible knack for the perfect music to go with his carefully composed shots is also put to good use here with excellent use of the diverse music of Benjamin Britten and Hank Williams plus Alexandre Desplat's fine score (I have already downloaded the soundtrack). Also loved the often simple special effects used, including model work rarely seen in live action films these days.

Typically Anderson has also b*ght together a great cast. Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Tilda Swinton, Bob Balaban and Jason Schwartzman all have their moments to shine. I've heard people say that certain actors are wasted but I think that's nonsense. It's an ensemble cast and works fine it that regard. Having said that they are all in service to the real stars of the film, namely Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward who are both fantastic as the young lovers Sam and Suzy. Both perfectly nailing that slightly pretentious air that precocious young people in love often have.

On the whole this is a wonderful and charming film that delights at every turn. As idiosyncratic as you'd expect from Anderson and therefore not everyone's cup of tea but I loved it. As perfect an examination of young love and adult disappointment that you could hope for.

[Celini]

Did you stay for the credits?

[kevinknapman]

Did you stay for the credits?

Yes. I'm one of those people that generally sticks around (unless it's a really bad film). Why?

[Celini]

I thought the [spoiler]opera "tutorial"[/spoiler] was a very nice touch in the credits!

A very lovely film indeed and the cast, fantastic!
8.5/10 for me

[kevinknapman]

I thought the [spoiler]opera "tutorial"[/spoiler] was a very nice touch in the credits!

Yes definitely. Worth sitting through them for that.

[funthing29]

Oh I didn't stay for the credits. I didn't think a film like this would have extra footage so I left as soon as it finished.

I liked this. It is quite a quirky film with some charming moments. The acting is first class, both from the A list stars and the youngsters. There was great use of the scenery, narration and the soundtrack was fantastic. My one complaint is that it seemed to drag quite a bit in the middle. It felt quite long despite its modest running time. 8/10.

[Ms Thrifty]

I'm keen to see this - just haven't managed to fit it in yet. Also, now I have PH vouchers coming out of my ears, I should really try to see it at one of their sites, which limits the options. I'm still waiting for my 2 Cineworld comp win vouchers, too, which is another reason to wait - don't want to p*y to see this at Cineworld, only to find my vouchers turn up just afterwards!

[reddie2]

Wow. A Wes Anderson film that's been out for three days and still no page of it's own. I realise Anderson is an acquired taste but still. Luckily it's one I've had ever since seeing Rushmore and I don't think he's made a dud yet. Though I've only ever seen The Darjeeling Limited once (it does have one of the greatest openings of all his films though, Bill Murray running for a train in slow motion to The Kinks 'This Time Tomorrow').

Anyway on to Moonrise Kingdom and I think it's safe to say I loved this. As utterly charming as I wanted it to be. Sure it is Anderson at his most whimsical (non-fans probably need not bother), with many of his trademark shots present and correct. So plenty of perfectly symmetrical shots, cross sections of houses as the camera glides from room to room, fast zooms into characters faces. All to the point where it does almost become like a Wes Anderson parody but not too much that it becomes a problem. Anderson's incredible knack for the perfect music to go with his carefully composed shots is also put to good use here with excellent use of the diverse music of Benjamin Britten and Hank Williams plus Alexandre Desplat's fine score (I have already downloaded the soundtrack). Also loved the often simple special effects used, including model work rarely seen in live action films these days.

Typically Anderson has also b*ght together a great cast. Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, Tilda Swinton, Bob Balaban and Jason Schwartzman all have their moments to shine. I've heard people say that certain actors are wasted but I think that's nonsense. It's an ensemble cast and works fine it that regard. Having said that they are all in service to the real stars of the film, namely Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward who are both fantastic as the young lovers Sam and Suzy. Both perfectly nailing that slightly pretentious air that precocious young people in love often have.

On the whole this is a wonderful and charming film that delights at every turn. As idiosyncratic as you'd expect from Anderson and therefore not everyone's cup of tea but I loved it. As perfect an examination of young love and adult disappointment that you could hope for.

Totally agree with your review, especially with the bit of the movie being almost a self-parody for Wes Anderson flicks. 8.5/10

[kevinknapman]

Oh I didn't stay for the credits. I didn't think a film like this would have extra footage so I left as soon as it finished.

There wasn't actually extra footage
[spoiler]Just a piece of music over the end credits by Alexandre Desplat that was based on Britten's 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra' which had been used during the film[/spoiler]

[Celini]

For those who've seen it; did you have any issue with the opening credits?
I mean could you read all the text at the top and bottom of the screen... mine were cut and when I told so to Vue, they told me it was normal