Peculiar Reviewer

Wes Anderson ( The Royal Tenenbaums , Rushmore ) is an auteur. His color scheme is achieved by only him. His supreme attention to detail is frequently attempted, unmatched, and appears overworked to the spectator eye. Anderson's distinct style is present yet again in his latest, Moonrise Kingdom . There's a boy scout camp run by the diligent Edward Norton ( American History X , Fight Club ), who has his young troupes prepared for the absolute worst - a tree house built far too high for scout safety. A misunderstood boy scout played by newcomer Jared Gilman , in his first screen role, escapes the camp which then sets off a search party. Wes Anderson veteran Bill Murray takes part in the perfect comic timing achieved throughout the film, as well as the always entertaining Frances McDormand ( Fargo , Burn After Reading ), and Bruce Willis (with hair). The resourceful scout has left to meet a like-minded girl who shares his idiosyncratic ways. These two kids have more substan...

Indie star Sarah Polley ( Away From Her ) makes her writing/directing return with the Canadian comedy-drama Take This Waltz . In the film, Michelle Williams ( My Week With Marilyn ) portrays yet another dysfunctional character, this time an anxious young wife who flirts with the idea of having an affair with her slightly stalker-ish neighbor. Yet her husband, played by Seth Rogen (in his most stripped down role to-date), is the perfect husband, not to mention the sanest character in the film. What starts out attaining a Lost In Translation feel, slowly descends its way into lost territory. We spend the movie trying to figure out what is wrong with Michelle Williams' character, then realize we are ultimately following an unlikeable protagonist who does not change. Comedian Sarah Silverman doesn't get enough screen time, and her presence is much needed to relieve from the constant awkwardness and painstakingly drawn-out tension between characters. The movie is charming th...