MOONRISE KINGDOM
PG-13
94 Minutes
Director: Wes Anderson
Writers: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola
Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Bruce Willis
First day of search party for Sam Shakusky. Morale is extremely low, in part, I suppose, because Sam is, unfortunately, the least popular scout in the troop, by a significant margin. I’m worried, and I’m confused....
-Scout Master Ward's Log: September 2nd (1965)
Bruce Willis Captain Sharp
Edward Norton Scout Master Ward
Bill Murray Walt Bishop
Kara Hayward Suzy
Frances McDormand Laura Bishop
Jared Gilman Sam
Tilda Swinton Social Services
Jason Schwartzman Cousin Ben
Harvey Keitel Commander Pierce
Bob Balaban Narrator
Snoopy Jack Russell Terrier
None of Wilson brothers?
'Didn't you get my letter of resignation? I quit the Khaki Scouts.'
This story sails off on a fictitious island, near the New England coastline, circa 1965.
Suzy and Sam, are a couple of crazy kids on a romantic adventure. Suzy is 12, and Sam is 32...I mean 12.
The film is about the search to find these two children. The search party is comprised of parents, a police officer, and the 'deputized' local Khacki Scout troop.
Bruce Willis plays a cop, this is where my skepticism creeps in. Really? This guy, an officer of the law, I just don't know.
Edward Norton portrays Scout Master Ward with the utmost seriousness, and sincerity. Master Ward tape records scout logs while chain-smoking, and consuming brandy.
This movie runs completely contrary to 'Murphy's law'. Hundreds of things that could have went wrong, didn't. Typically, scout leaders molest children, but that didn't happen here, at least not on camera.
There are many historical inaccuracies, having been alive in 1965, I can tell. Mostly small things, like car models that didn't exist yet. I believe he did this on purpose. Distracting the audience, to cover up the more egregious errors. Like cheap fabric dyes that didn't exist in 1965. Mr. Anderson: I'm on to you.
It's a tale told the way someone would remember a life event: inaccurately. The movie is a surreal fantasy, but I never once had to suspend disbelief. You find sinking into their reality; like wandering around in someone else's dream.
What I like most is the ending, because there isn't one. Endings only exist in the world of fiction.
MOONRISE KINGDOM is the perfect intertwining of comedy and drama. I recommend not downloading this off the internet for free. The best film you will see all year. That is, unless you watch a better movie from a different year. Like CITIZEN CANE, or something.
Final Verdict 95 out of 100