In 1965, the island of New Penzance prepares for a violent storm. On one side of the island, Scout Master Ward (Norton), leader of the Khaki Scouts, discovers one of his scouts is missing. Sam Shakusky (Gilman), a loner, escaped in the middle of the note, leaving behind a letter of resignation. As the scouts prepare to search the island, Ward contacts Captain Sharp (Willis), the local law enforcement.
On the opposite side of the island, Walt (Murray) and Laura (McDormand) Bishop have a child missing. Their troubled daughter, Suzy (Hayward), secretly left home with a suitcase, her cat, a pair of binoculars, and her brother's record player. Sam and Suzy were secretly pen pals for a year, planning their escape. With the storm threat looming, and a combined search party, will the young lovers succeed?
Everything about this film screams "Wes Anderson"... from the usual suspects in the cast, to the look of the film, to the quirky details on the screen. That is one of the great things about watching an Anderson film... it is familiar, but unique.
The cast is great. Jason Schwartzmann is funny in a small but memorable role. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand have an interesting relationship as fighting couple... I love that McDormand uses a bullhorn to communicate with her family. Edward Norton and Bruce Willis are entertaining, and make an interesting pair of investigators. Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward have strong chemistry. The other children are also strong. The Bishop boys don't say much, but are unique characters (I don't know any of their character names, they function as a whole). The Khaki Scouts all known by identifying characteristics... and are an intriguing group.
Anderson fans will understand and appreciate the film... but if you aren't a fan of Anderson, you won't be impressed. The film is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Screenplay.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) 94 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and smoking
Director: Wes Anderson
Starring: Bruce Willis as Captain Sharp
Edward Norton as Scout Master Ward
Bill Murray as Walt Bishop
Frances McDormand as Laura Bishop
Tilda Swinton as Social Services
Jared Gilman as Sam Shakusky
Kara Hayward as Suzy Bishop
Jason Schwartzmann as Cousin Ben
Bob Balaban as The Narrator
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