After Fantastic Mr. Fox, I was left wanting something more/else from Wes Anderson. I've always been a fan of his, but for some reason, I didn't really like Fox. Surely after three years and compiling a cast that includes Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand & Tilda Swinton (hilariously referred to throughout the movie simply as "Social Services") I would not be disappointed. Add in Anderson faithfulls Bill Murray & Jason Schwartzman and I'm already in the car on my way to the theatre.
The plot was everything we've learned to trust from Anderson. Incredibly odd situations made normal by full dedication to the world he has created for his characters. It's this diligent dedication on his part that make us so eager to pack our own library books and run away with him-libraries be damned! As our two protagonists seek an escape to their own corner of the map, we realize there's no Khaki Scout, canoe or tent that can take us far enough away or shield us from life's continuation. It is what it is, and we must carry on the best we can.
It would be impossible for this movie to be as engaging and enjoyable as it was without the freshness of Kara Hayward & Jared Gilman. That being said, I think Gilman could have benefited from more rehearsal time as his delivery came across a bit rushed. Was his lip pursing a tic he purposefully gave Sam or his inability to disguise perhaps the cutest personal trait ever? Who cares. I loved it. Perhaps Hayward had it easier as all she needed to do was watch The Royal Tenenbaums and carefully craft her character after Gwyneth Paltrow's Margot-maybe she is Margot in an alternate universe with red hair and ten fingers.
As with most of Anderson's characters, his current cast seems to be held back from becoming fully functioning members of society. Often times it's due to a very specific turning point in their lives. However, after an hour and a half+ of living in their magical worlds we dismiss all shortcomings because we finally understand what makes them tick--and therefore actually whole just the way they are. I found this to be especially true in the scene where Hayward is in the bathtub speaking with McDormand after returning home. As they dig deeper into unpleasant conversation, it feels like we are intruding on a real life mother-daughter moment as we learn that no matter what age, we all face the same uncertainties.
The plot follows Suzy (Hayward) and Sam (Gilman) as they reunite after a chance encounter that leads to a year of pen pal letters. They decide to run off together and inhabit their own secluded cove of New Penzance. Along the way they traverse some serious terrain and finally make it to their destination where they are suddenly free to just be. Their new-found leeway doesn't last long as Suzy's parents, Sam's scout master and the police captain catch up to them with Walt (Murray) literally exposing them in a most witty show of symbolism.
After Walt decides Suzy & Sam can never see each other again, the previously sour Khaki Scouts come to Sam's aid as they plot and execute a mission to get them back together. Their plan goes awry as a massive hurricane approaches the island and cuts short the young lovers intent of sailing off into the sunset. With new information that Sam will be shipped off to an orphanage upon capture, Captain Sharp (Willis) steps in and gives Sam what Suzy is incapable of providing: a welcoming home. By taking on Sam, Sharp gives Sam & Suzy what they never knew they needed from the beginning: a chance to be close and get to know each other.
DP Robert Yeoman delivers in the cinematography department--as he usually does. Adam Stockhausen & Kasia Walicka-Maimone step right into Anderson's world without so much as a stutter step. It's all enough to make this girl long for her own journey from Summer's End to Moonrise Kingdom. If I could, I would.
