Moonrise Kingdom

Starring;

Bruce Willis
Edward Norton
Bill Murray
Frances McDormand
Jared Gilman
Kara Hayward

Director;

Wes Anderson

In three words; Beautiful – Exquisite - Funny

 

Plot;

A Scout Master (Norton) wakes to find his peaceful camp thrown into chaos by the disappearance of eccentric Khaki Scout Sam (Gilman). Teaming with lovelorn local sheriff Captain Sharp (Willis), Ward discovers the youngster may have runawaywith Suzy (Hayward), daughter of Mr and Mrs Bishop (Murray and McDormand).

Review;

Moonrise Kingdom is a love story, a tail of first love and the overwhelming feelings that are brought with this. Scout Sam (Gilman) and Suzy (Hayward) devise a plan to run away together after meeting each other the previous summer on the same island where the tale unfolds. Sam escapes from his Scout camp in a daring move which Andy Dufresne would be pleased to see. This is much to the dismay of his Scout Master Randy Ward played brilliantly by Ed Norton. Meanwhile Suzy abandons her family summer retreat to meet with Sam and a prearrange time and place.

Local Police Officer Captain Sharp (Willis) deputises the Scouts, due to the lack of any law enforcement on the island, and they embark on attempting to locate the runaways as a large storm descends upon them. Suzy’s parents, played by Bill Murray and Frances McDormand attempt to assist in locating their daughter. Murray is exquisite in his role delivering a brilliant understated comedic performance whilst McDormand excels with her characters neurotic temperament whilst not overplaying the part.

We have been provided with an excellent supporting cast with Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartsman, Harvey Keitel and Bob Balaban who all appear well at home with their respective characters. The assembled cast are brilliantly brought together but the young Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward standout from their well known adult counterparts brining a beautiful quality to the film which I will revisit time and time again.

The wonderfully odd world of Wes Anderson is where I want to live. Anderson has provided us with a visual treat, brilliant comedy and heart warming characters. Moonrise Kingdom is without doubt his finest piece of work to date. He and co-writer Roman Copploa have put together an exquisite screenplay which is almost poetic in its qualities. This is the best film of 2012 and it will be very difficult to beat.

Verdict;

5 out of 5.