MOONRISE KINGDOM - Review

Moonrise Kingdom

Romantic Comedy, 2012

Directed by Wes Anderson

Starring
Jared Gilman as Sam Shakusky
Kara Hayward as Suzy Bishop
Bruce Willis as Captain Sharp
Edward Norton as Scout Master Randy Ward
Bill Murray as Walt Bishop
Frances McDormand as Laura Bishop

"Scout Master's log, September second. 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." - Scout Master Randy Ward

Wes Anderson is a weird dude. He has one of the most distinct styles out of any director working today. While most people can pick out his visual style from miles away, he also has a very distinct storytelling style. His characters are pretty quirky and awkward, but have a special emotional depth to them.
Set on a fictional island in 1965, Moonrise Kingdom revolves around Sam Shakusky, a boy attending Khaki Scout camp and his undying love for Suzy Bishop, a local girl who lives on the island. Pen pals for some time, Sam and Suzy decide to run away together. The two spend a couple of days together on the more remote regions of the island, and the two of them make an adorable couple. Naturally, Suzy's parents and Sam's scoutmaster want to find the two of them, and adventure ensues. Unfortunately, the beginning of the film is its strongest point. Watching Sam and Suzy run away together is great, but after that, the film never really reaches those heights. That isn't to say that the rest of the movie is bad by any stretch, in fact, it has a very strong final act.
The film boasts an impressive cast. Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as Sam and Suzy have awkward chemistry, yet somehow it manages to play in their favor. Watching the two run away and the perils that face them really brings out the best in the characters. Willis, Murray, and Norton are both great as well. The three of them have a great sense of comedic timing, and watching Murray throw shoes at Norton is hilarious.
Moonrise Kingdom is one of the few movies that can get away with being hilariously serious. And while the film is ultimately a comedy, the characters take this shit very seriously, and it makes for some very funny moments.
Ultimately, Moonrise Kingdom is an unusual, but sweet and endearing story about young love. It takes a few nice twists and turns along the way. This is definitely one of the best Wes Anderson films. It's uncommon to find a strange romantic comedy such as this.
However, don't be turned off by the phrase "romantic comedy." Moonrise doesn't follow any kind of conventional plot structures that Hollywood usually churns out. The story is great in its originality, and, although it isn't perfect, remains one of the best movies of 2012.
Side note: That Shakusky is one hell of a ladies man. I could learn a thing or two from him.

Score - 9.3/10