Moonrise Kingdom [Blu-ray]

Moonrise Kingdom is a delightful and heartwarming film that captures the essence of childhood, love, and adventure. Directed by Wes Anderson, this film tells the story of two young lovers who run away from their respective homes in search of a better life together.The cinematography of Moonrise Kingdom is stunning, with every shot perfectly framed and composed. The colors and textures of the film are rich and vibrant, creating a visually appealing experience that draws the viewer into the story.The performances in this film are exceptional, particularly from the two young leads, played by Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward. They bring a sense of innocence and authenticity to their roles, making the audience root for their characters' happiness.The supporting cast is also impressive, featuring big names such as Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, and Edward Norton. They all bring their unique talents to the table and add to the film's overall charm.The soundtrack of Moonrise Kingdom is another standout feature. It features an eclectic mix of music that perfectly captures the film's tone and mood. The music helps to elevate the emotions of each scene and immerse the viewer in the story.Overall, Moonrise Kingdom is a truly delightful film that is both whimsical and touching. It is a testament to the power of love, friendship, and adventure, and a must-watch for anyone looking for a heartwarming cinematic experience.

But, I am a Wes Anderson completist, so “Moonrise Kingdom” is on the list. If you’re an Anderson fan, you‘re not allowed to skip this one, even if it is the slightest of what’s admittedly a rather slight genre. What we have here is a sort of charming bauble that meanders about for an hour and a half and ends up nowhere in particular. But the usual Wes Anderson stuff accompanies this trip, so, worth it.Detailed miniatures, total artificiality, warm lighting, eccentric performances, the usual cast of players, and a lot of twee. This is maybe the most twee of the whole oeuvre, in fact, since the leads are children.Children who do not act in any recognizable way as children, of course. Deadpan is an Anderson trope, and these kids, particularly Kara Hayward as Suzy, are so affectless as to be circling catatonia. For whatever Andersonian reason, this purported 12 year old is wearing enough eyeshadow, eyeliner and fake lashes as to, well, perfectly channel Gwyneth Paltrow in “The Royal Tenenbaums”. Who also used an affectless delivery. I guess Suzy will grow up to be Margot Tenenbaum?Sam is not quite as deadpan, but nobody who’s been or raised a 12 year-old will recognize him as being one. He’s doing the part that ordinarily goes to Jason Schwartzman in Anderson movies, and doing them the same way as Schwartzman did in “Darjeeling” or “Mr. Fox”. Not to worry, Schwartzman is in the cast as a shady Khaki Scout higher-up. “Give me the nickels.”Both Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, and all the child actors, use an odd adult-like diction and the lack of affect that’d worry any psychologist. I guess it’s part of the Anderson Artificial Artistic Magic Realism thing. But also, kind of creepy.As is the romance between these two kids. First, because of the ages, but mostly because both kids are pretty creepy even without the romance.Everyone delivers their lines in what I could call Bizarro version of Mamet-speak That is, characters still talk fast, in clipped sentences, but with flattened emotions. The exact opposite of Mamet’s equally artificial but emotionally heightened speeches, where every fleeting feeling is indicated every second. It’s the Wes Anderson way, and it’s funny. And there are a lot of funny bits in “Moonrise Kingdom”. The scout camp stuff is good, and there are great visual gags like the tree house and a motorcycle in a tree. And the hallucinatory small church production of Noah’s Flood (or Noye’s Fludde, I should say, Benjamin Britten being source music for a lot of this) is something I would pay good money to see.Similarly, I’d love to walk through the immense set constructed for Frances McDormand and Bill Murray’s house. This cross section of a life sized cottage is fantastic! Picture Steve Zissou’s ship on land. That the house is much bigger on the inside than the outside is a nice joke, too. It must be great to be a set constructor on a Wes Anderson movie. You get to build such wonderful things. The set dressers, too, must love working for him. Every prop, every background detail, every color, is meticulously curated. There are no happy accidents in these movies. It’s like a Steely Dan record. Every second is planned. Anderson must go through a whole lot of storyboards.The flattened perspectives and symmetrical framing are here, too, especially the Khaki Scout tents. Lovely stuff. The look of “Moonrise Kingdom” is excellent. The child actors, as noted, are doing that precocious affect-less delivery. Bill Murray is even less present than usual. Frances McDormand, I will never say a word against, but this is a very small part. Smaller still is Tilda Swinton’s, and I always welcome anything with Tilda Swinton in it. Here, not much more than a cameo. But still. Ed Norton is probably best, doing the hapless scout leader. Bruce Willis is in full hangdog mode, and really, almost anybody could do his part. He’s not bad, not particularly good, just there.So. Is “Moonrise Kingdom” good? Well, it’s no “Grand Budapest Hotel” and not close to “Tenenbaums” either. About on a level with “The Life Aquatic” or “Darjeeling”. If you like this stuff and aren't overly annoyed by twee or the sort of heightened unreality Anderson specializes in, I’d go for it. I wouldn’t make it your introduction to Andersoniana. Do “Budapest” first, and if you like that (and you should) then start doing the back catalog. This one is a very slight comedy, but if you like it wry, try it. It’s short, too. And actually could have done with being a little shorter, some scenes drag towards the end.

Both my daughter and I loved this film! Excellent ensemble cast!

First, let me get something out of the way: I'm a brainless Wes Anderson fan and couldn't possibly offer you an actual review of this movie. I'm a hipster twit who would love this movie even if it were just a blank screen for 2 hours, etc., etc. If you don't like Wes Anderson's films, and he is entrenched in his style enough that you know what that means, please save yourself the frustration of reading my review...because I do like Wes Anderson and I won't respond to any comments along the lines of the above.I don't think Anderson is a one note director even though there is no debate that his films all share a particular feel, style, and tone. When the opportunity presents itself in this film, quite a bit of it takes place outside in larger spaces, his typical meticulous mis-en-scene is showcased. The dialogue is as spare, direct, and tight as ever. Some people apparently find this off-putting since the two leads are children...I think this betrays a lack of familiarity with Anderson (maybe more, but at least this) since he has always handled children /as they are/ - as young adults. I mentioned RT in the title because I think it is the closest to MK in terms of emotional tone. There is a desperation in all of these characters that cuts through my defenses as a viewer. I won't deny being a willing audience, but I have no trouble finding my way into each moment. Finally, to wrap up the general stuff, there is a touch of the fantastic in Moonrise Kingdom that seems like a holdover from the Life Aquatic - but I don't think it is central to the film and it doesn't change the overall tone.This is an adventure story, and a love story, and an escape story...at times it's tragic, at times funny, at times awkward, and it's almost always exciting. In short this is a movie about being a young (pre-)teen. The leads are in that embarrassing moment in which hormones, desire, and passion meet with inexperience. They are isolated from the world in many ways and alienated from their peers and most of the adults around them. It's the two of them against the world. And the really lovely thing about this film is the way they succeed.The adults are all disconnected from the children to different degrees (for different reasons), but one of the many exceptional things about the film is the way that each adult is a foil for the leads. One easy example is the failed marriage of Suzy's parents contrasted with the feverish and indomitable love between Suzy and Sam. As is always the case with Anderson, not a moment or exchange is wasted or empty.I'd like to say more about the movie, but it would really be best for you to just see it.Product note and two tangents:- The blu-ray release is very fine in terms of picture and sound, but many fans will find the lack of additional features somewhat disappointing. I am sure that a future release (Criterion maybe) will include such features. In the meantime this bare-bones release will either sate your appetite for the film, or just seem like a money grab, etc. I'm not disappointed enough, or cynical enough, to feel cheated...and besides, I don't want to wait...- If you're on the fence about this film because you've heard that there is something voyeuristic, pornographic, or indecent about Suzy and Sam's relationship (a particular scene really seems to have bothered some viewers)...please do yourself a favor and put that out of your mind. I have no idea how anyone could find this so offensive...I could venture a guess, but it would be very mean...if you live in a world in which teenagers do not think sexual thoughts, utter sexual sentences, or do sexual things, then you may very well be offended.- Along the same lines, if you're on the fence because you've heard there is gratuitous violence against an animal...please put that out of your mind also. If you think a good film CANNOT portray an animal being harmed, then you will not think this is a good film. If, instead, you think that a film can portray an animal being harmed as part of a larger story, as part of a particular moment in a character's development, then you should not hesitate to watch the film on this account. For anyone suggesting that the death is unnecessary, callous, or in poor taste, I implore you to watch the film again and consider this moment more carefully. Some people have pointed to RT - since an animal dies in that movie as well - and drawn a larger conclusion about Anderson's lack of concern/care for animals. I worry that these people are not watching the films...these deaths are catalysts for the story, triggers for changes in certain characters, and are deeply emotional moments.Of course, this film is not for everyone. The leads are children, but the film is not for most children. If you have a strong opinion about Wes Anderson, let that be your guide. I think this is Anderson's best since the Royal Tenenbaums and I cannot break the tie between them for my favorite of his movies.

Great movie. Star studded cast. Enjoy with the family!

We really enjoyed this movie. It was cute and quirky. Fun to watch!

Movie was too long was very stylized & wooden acting but the characters were interesting.

To be honest, I really did not know what to make of this film after the first watching.I enjoyed it, but didn't find it that funny!!!!The performances from the leads - Willis, Norton, Swinton and Murray are rather sublime but it's the strangely enigmatic acting from the 'young newbies' Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward that steal the show as two pubescent children taking comfort and solace in each others company as they escape the strangeness of their lives. Pursued by their respective so-called "responsible adults", (that's the funny bit, I suppose?), they desperately try to find consolation in an effort to make some sense out of their muddled lives.I had to watch it three times before I could come to a conclusion - it is a good film; in my opinion a very thought provoking one.Perhaps I took it too seriously? However, I found it hard not too!Good film - not what I expected, but I think I got much more out of it because of this.

This was sold to me as being a remake of the classic British film "Melody" (also known as S.W.A.L.K.). Well, it is about two children who are in love, but there is none of the charm , wit or innocence of the original. It was a strange film. Most of the acting was wooden and sort of staccato. Killing the dog with an arrow through the neck was not necessary. The supposedly pubescent girl did not need to be seen in her bra and knickers, with the boy placing his hands on her chest, or subsequently the two of them in bed in a tent. The story could have been told much better with things implied rather than shown. Overall disappointing and not worth watching.

It looks like a Wes Anderson film, sounds like it too. It kinda stinks though.A hollow, empty film where all the criticism of WA's affectations are borne out.I love all of WA's other films, Rushmore, Darjeeling Limited and Grand Budapest Hotel especially, but Moonrise Kingdom is his only misfire in my opinion.Oddly, I seem to be in the minority. Ah well.

The preposterous plot and strange declamatory acting do nothing to detract from the sheer delight of this tender, sweet, witty and weirdly affecting little masterpiece. I especially loved the wonderful use of music, the countless visual jokes, and the gentle but determined way Wes Anderson subverts so many tired genres (troubled adolescents, missing children, unfulfilled lives, unlikely friendships). Warmly recommended - and for Wes Anderson fans an essential addition.

Wes Anderson's passion for whimsy is again showcased in this almost unbearably quirky tale of a pair of teenage `lovers' in New England, who resort to extreme measures to be together.Newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward are well cast as the alternative `star cross'd lovers', whilst top actors including Bruce Willis as deceptively shy police chief, Ed Norton as an insecure Scout master with hidden depths, and Tilda Swinton as a ruthless Social Worker, are imaginatively deployed and contribute to an affecting and hugely enjoyable film, which only occasionally strays into the ridiculous.