Wes Anderson is his own genre of film. He's transcended independent cinema to become a singular cinematic force - like Hitchcock, the Coen brothers, or Disney, he's a brand. Some folks have loved everything he's done; others, like myself, remained somewhat on the fence. I liked the idea of Royal Tennenbaums more than I liked the actual film, and I respected The Life Aquatic more than I followed the plot. I really wanted to like it, Anderson's work. Finally, with Moonrise Kingdom, I do.
There's something really beautiful in the simplicity and nostalgia of Moonrise Kingdom, something that permeates the entire film, although I tend to feel that way about coastal Rhode Island anyway. It's been too long since Ed Norton was in a movie I wanted to see, but I love him in this - his kind side, the good boy, grown up. (See also: Keeping the Faith. One of my favorites!) The whole ensemble is delightful - from Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as our lovestruck adolescent heroes, to Bruce Willis showcasing his comedic skills and soft side, to Frances McDormand and Anderson regular Bill Murray as a couple of lawyers. The young actors playing Gilman's fellow 'khaki scouts' are also superb, helping to balance out the adult cast of characters.
It's full of childhood memories - not my childhood, persay, but of the things one would expect to find in a coming of age story - pieced deftly together in a much happier version of Romeo & Juliet. Retro without being kitsch, vintage but not hipster, funny without being vulgar or slapstick (as so many films are, these days). I love, too, that it's a story of youth without a depressing turn of plot - just a great story of two crazy kids that just want to be together.
Even if Anderson's other films aren't quite your cup of tea, I encourage you to check out Moonrise Kingdom. It's really a special place, a journey we're privileged to share.
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