Isle of Dogs

Within the last twenty-plus years, Wes Anderson has established himself as a unique presence in the world of film. (He's certainly doing something right if Martin Scorsese's praising him.) With all but one of his films being original works (with Fantastic Mr. Fox being the lone exception), it's no wonder that he's prone to stand out amongst bloated sequels and big-budget spectacles.

So where does his latest film Isle of Dogs stand? His second foray into animation (again, the first being Fantastic Mr. Fox), it bolsters the expected mix of Anderson regulars and some surprising inclusions (Yoko Ono!) as well as that display of eccentricity. But some might be crying foul at the predominately white roster of actors amid the film's setting.

But let's focus on that, shall we? For those concerned, no, there aren't any white actors voicing Japanese characters (Tilda Swinton and Scarlett Johansson have dealt with the brunt of those previous casting decisions enough for several lifetimes.) Most of them voice the titular dogs, and the beginning of the film specifies that the Japanese dialogue remains untranslated save for a few scenes. So no stereotypes here, right? Well, not quite.

Some might view Greta Gerwig's character bordering on white savior (she sort of does) and what many perceive as Japanese culture is on display throughout Isle of Dogs. If anything, it's not so much racially insensitive as it is more along the lines of cultural tourism on Anderson's part. (Hopefully he'll learn from his mistakes here so as not to affect later works.)

Anyway, Isle of Dogs continues to show Anderson's worth as a storyteller. A few bumps towards Japanese culture aside, he possesses an imagination unlike anyone before him. Will he surpass his current cinematic streak? Only time will tell.

My Rating: ****1/2

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel displays many of the distinct traits found in the director's earlier work. And yet at the same time, Anderson's newest film is different from his other films.

How so? Even amid all of the pastel colors and quirky characters, it is noticeably darker in nature. Sure, Anderson's previous films also had this trait (The Royal Tenenbaums most noticeably), but The Grand Budapest Hotel takes it to a new level. Then again, the film's story does begin after a sudden death...

I think I can say on the behalf of several people that one of the main draws of The Grand Budapest Hotel was its influences. Anderson himself cited the films of Ernst Lubitsch (The Shop Around the Corner) and Rouben Mamoulin (Love Me Tonight) as role models amongst others. I mean, if that doesn't get you a bit excited, I don't know what to tell you.

Well, if that didn't excite you, the (as expected) star-studded cast certainly will. (The roster of actors Anderson gets for every new film he does still blows my mind.) I won't mention every actor in The Grand Budapest Hotel but I will say that Ralph Fiennes is hilarious. (More comedy roles for him, please.) Oh, and newcomer Tony Revolori is also very, very good.

The Grand Budapest Hotel isn't my immediate favorite of Anderson's films (Moonrise Kingdom gets that spot) though it was certainly a delight to watch. (Sometimes it's fun to see serious actors loosen up a bit.) I anticipate your next film, Mr. Anderson.

My Rating: *****

Moonrise Kingdom

I really like Wes Anderson's films. They're sort of the sole reason for why I love movies in the first place, which is to escape reality and forget your troubles by watching someone else's.

Anderson's films always tend to display a simple story played out by eccentric characters. His new film Moonrise Kingdom continues that trend. He always knows how to infuse his films with a certain charm you can't find anywhere else, and this film is full of said charm.

Much like Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris last year, Moonrise Kingdom is a film that's simple in concept and spectacular in delivery. (You don't come across those often enough.) As mentioned earlier, there's a certain charm that's resonant throughout, again a rarity in Hollywood today.

Another noted aspect of Anderson's films is the eclectic nature of the casts. The names range from his motley crew of regulars to actors you would never guess in a million years would appear in a Wes Anderson film. With Moonrise Kingdom, the names include Bill Murray, Edward Norton (!), Frances McDormand, Bruce Willis (!!!), Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Bob Balaban and Harvey Keitel. The stars of Moonrise Kingdom, however, are Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, the protagonists of the film and both very promising young actors.

If I wasn't clear enough, Moonrise Kingdom is a wonderful film. Like Anderson's previous films, The Royal Tenenbaums in particular, it blends humor and sentiment very nicely. Do yourself a favor, and go out and see this.

My Rating: *****

The Royal Tenenbaums

Admit it. You're part of an eccentric family. (I know I am.) It's always great fodder for literature and Hollywood.

Hey, Wes Anderson definitely thought so when he made The Royal Tenenbaums back in 2001. It's practically a story J.D. Salinger never wrote. (I read The Catcher in the Rye. I know what his writing style was like.)

I've seen all of Anderson's work sans Moonrise Kingdom, and I can safely say that Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Royal Tenenbaums stand out from the rest solely because the eccentric nature of both films is very much accepted. Fantastic Mr. Fox because it's an animated film, The Royal Tenenbaums because the eccentric behavior is evenly distributed among all of the characters, not just one or two of them.

Speaking of the characters, there's a motley crew of a cast. Of the names, there is Gene Hackman, Luke Wilson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller, Anjelica Huston, Danny Glover, Owen Wilson and Bill Murray. I absolutely love Murray's dry commentary, but this show belongs to Hackman. (My favorite scene of his is the montage of his day out with his grandsons.) I now understand why so many people were offended at the lack of an Oscar nomination for him.

In short, I loved The Royal Tenenbaums. It just flows so well. Every actor plays their role excellently, Hackman especially. Definitely one of the best films of the last decade.

My Rating: *****

Bottle Rocket

At some point in the last decade or so, Wes Anderson was dubbed the next Martin Scorsese. But this wasn't a musing by a critic, oh no. It was said by Scorsese himself.

Anderson's debut Bottle Rocket shows the very style that would make him recognizable among his peers. Yeah, that particular style isn't favored by many, but I personally like it. (Hey, quirky is good at times.)

Like several of Anderson's later films, Bottle Rocket has brothers Owen and Luke Wilson among its cast. It's always the cast that is key for a Wes Anderson film. (Hey, the man restarted Bill Murray's career.) Anyway, in regards to the cast of Bottle Rocket, my favorite performance was from James Caan, who basically played an older Sonny Corleone. (You know, if he actually survived.)

I like Anderson's way of filming though it gets a tad too zany at some points. Sure, it's entertaining but he gets a little too crazy at times. (This is why I prefer Fantastic Mr. Fox more because the rules of normal life don't apply to animation.)

Still, I really liked Bottle Rocket. It's pretty much what Reservoir Dogs would be if it amped up the comedy (and wasn't so violent and sweary). Those that like Anderson will be in for a treat.

My Rating: ****1/2

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

Wes Anderson is slowly becoming one of my favorite directors. Not bad for a guy with six movies to his name.

After witnessing his diving partner getting eaten by a leopard shark, oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) sets out to exact revenge on it. But a lack of money and a mutinying crew may prevent him from doing that.

Anderson is probably one fo the few directors who can make his movies really quirky without getting on the level of really weird (sorry, Tim Burton). Murray acts with a hell of a supporting cast. The dialogue is really funny and offbeat. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a delightful underrated gem from Anderson.

My Rating: ****

Fantastic Mr. Fox

I've only seen three of his movies, but I can safely say I'm a fan of Wes Anderson.

Although he promised his wife Felicity (Meryl Streep) that he'll stop stealing poultry, Mr. Fox (George Clooney) plans to rob three major facilities of their poultry and produce.

Along with Clooney and Streep, Fantastic Mr. Fox also features Anderson alums Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson. Much like his previous movies, this contains numerous themes found in Anderson's works. Since his last movies were rated R, it's impressive to see Anderson make a family friendly movie. And the quirky nature of his movies are appropriate for a kid's movie. Personally, I'd like to see Anderson make another animated movie some time in the near future.

My Rating: ****1/2

The Darjeeling Limited

Now and then, I watch movies that a handful of people think aren't so great. But most of the time, I have to disagree with them.

Estranged brothers Francis (Owen Wilson), Peter (Adrien Brody) and Jack (Jason Schwartzman), who haven't seen each other since their father's funeral, reunite for a spiritual journey through India.

A number of Anderson's fans think The Darjeeling Limited is the black sheep of his work. I fail to see why. It has themes and actors normally found in a Wes Anderson movie. Unlike some, I liked The Darjeeling Limited. Beautifully shot, laughs throughout and well-acted, The Darjeeling Limited is an enjoyable gem from Anderson.

My Rating: ****

Rushmore

When you're called "the next" anything, you know you have it made. So when Wes Anderson was called "the next Scorsese" by the man himself, that was a sign that said you should keep an eye on him.

Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) is an eccentric teenager who finds himself competing against Herman Blume (Bill Murray), the father of two of his classmates, for the love of teacher Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams).

Man, this is funny. Awkward and quirky definitely work here. Murray cracked me up to no end, as did Schwartzman. Just from this, I am now a fan of Wes Anderson. Honestly one of the best comedies in recent years.

My Rating: ****1/2