Moonrise Kingdom Movie Review

"What kind of bird are you?"
-Sam

If you by chance read my review for The Grand Budapest Hotel you would know that I really did enjoy Wes Anderson's unique directorial style and was very curious to see Moonrise Kingdom. I did not like it as much as the former, but then again it was telling a very different story all together. Both films had some familiar faces like Edward Norton and Bill Murray but the lead roles were given to two young actors who really did carry the film. Jared Gilman played Sam and Kara Hayward played Suzie, two troubled 12 year old kids that run away together in attempt to escape their everyday lives.

In what seems to be typical Wes Anderson style, this film has a very unique feel to it. Very different than most other films I've watched and it's a bit difficult to really explain it as opposed to experiencing it for yourself. The setting of this film is on an island off the coast of New England in 1965 where Sam and Suzie meet for the first time. I love how this movie captured the awkwardness between these two so perfectly. They are two 12-year olds, confused about life and used to not really fitting in. And just as you can imagine they fall in love quite quickly and make a pact to leave their homes together.



Soon after embarking on their journey, an all-out manhunt commences between the authorities, the scout troops and a few other interested parties. Not to mention that there is a big storm brewing off the coast that spells trouble for everyone in its path. Despite all of this Sam and Suzie are so happy to be together and set up camp on a rocky shore for the night. They have a pretty hilarious dance scene during their stay at the beach which I enjoyed very much regardless of how strange it might have been!

What I found so great about this film was the deep underlying messages that are in your face but at the same time hidden from plain sight by Anderson's skillful directorial direction. You have to first get over how quirky and silly the film is on the exterior to really appreciate what the film is saying. I really enjoyed Moonrise Kingdom even though it really wasn't what I was expecting when going into it. I give it a 7.5 out of 10 and thank Wes Anderson for making something different very enjoyable! I look forward to any of his future projects.

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