Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore — and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. Bruce Willis plays the local sheriff. Edward Norton is a Khaki Scout troop leader. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand portray the young girl’s parents. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the boy and girl. — (C) Focus Features
One need only watch the first frame to see that they are headlong into the distinct and obsessively detailed world of a Wes Anderson film. Moonrise displays all the Anderson signatures: deliciously conceived costumes and art direction; rich dialogue stripped of emotion but crafted so well with wit and irony one can’t help but feel; troubled, precocious youth encumbered by the oppressive weight of sloppy, indifferent adults; love in all its quark and fragility; and, of course, the ripe, rich, and hip soundtrack so intoned with each scene it makes it nearly impossible to separate the song from its image.
The film’s two love-struck, disturbed young teens steal the show, which is no small feet given their impressive, supporting cast. The film has sparks of brilliance, moments of tenderness, smart humor, and the endless oddity that is every Anderson film. And, as with all Anderson films, a second or third exploration is needed to see each crater, shadow, and shine of this Moon.
Moonrise Kingdom is showing Aug. 17-18-19. Rated: PG-13 Running time: 1 hour 33 minutes
