Moonrise Kingdom

The Perfect Escape

Director: Wes Anderson
Release Date: 2012
Rating: 12
Running Time: 100 mins
Genre: Adventure
Actors: Bill Murray, Ed Norton, Bruce Willis

Having never come across a Wes Anderson film before, I must say I was so surprised at how much I enjoyed 'Moonrise Kingdom'. It's one of those films that you can watch and just enjoy, simply through the way that it doesn't take itself to seriously and you can have a laugh whilst watching it. Needless to say now 'Fantastic Mr Fox' and 'The Royal Tenenbaums' are next on my to watch list, as I now feel that I have to see more from this adventurous and eccentric film director.

The idea for the story is simple, two young eccentric children fall in love and choose to run away together and what goes on is able to shock and surprise audiences offering a lot of laughs. Given that the two protagonists are starring in their first debut leads in a film, I'd say for people of their ages they pulled off exceptionally admirable performances and accompanied by a range of talented actors, including a brief cameo from the fantastic Harvey Keitel, it's no wonder this film was so easy to enjoy. What's particularly interesting about 'Moonrise Kingdom' is that there is no real antagonist and we're able to see what's going on from the point of view of all the characters. Ed Norton, like a lot of his other roles appears to be a slightly wimpy and timid character but is able to prove himself as the film develops and grows to be one of the most likable characters in the film. It's also good to see that Bruce Willis was able to star in a film this side of the century that can actually be credited as 'a good film'.

We Anderson delivers fantastic direction in the film, particularly through the use of it's over the top effects, like in one particular scene where we see Ed Norton has to leap into a hut of exploding fireworks, it's just a lot of fun to watch. There's something about 'Moonrise Kingdom', I wouldn't call it surreal, but it paints a picture of a world much different to the 'boring' one we live in. I found this to be through the use of colours and scenery, in a way it felt quite similar to the world created in 'Cat in the Hat', although maybe that's because the film takes place near a big red and white lighthouse. The visual style is created in such a way that it does stand out and in that way, it can be credited as a very arty and highly thought about piece of cinema. Whatever it was about the film, no matter how unrealistic or outrageous, it was very sweet and enjoyable in every aspect.

8/10