Tag: Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson’s “Bottle Rocket”: The Short Film Version

Wes Anderson short
In 1994, writer-director Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson produced their first short film together. The black and white short, Bottle Rocket, would later provide the basis for the 1996 feature film of the same name, which also starred Owen and his brother Luke Wilson.

As The Playlist recently noted, it is interesting to watch the entertaining short film and recognize the absence of many of the trademark techniques that would later populate Anderson’s films. For now, you may watch the entire short film Bottle Rocket below.

What do you think of Bottle Rocket? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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  • Rocket Science (Missed Movies)
  • Missed Movies Roundup: Contrasting East vs. West Edition

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    What if Wes Anderson Made a Horror Movie?

    Wes Anderson Horror Movie Happy Halloween! You probably have a favorite horror movie, but this week my favorite horror movie that was never made is The Midnight Coterie of Sinister Intruders. Saturday Night Live ran the trailer that imagined how a horror film might look if it were made by writer-director Wes Anderson. The clip incorporates references to Anderson’s films, including The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Rushmore (1998), and Moonrise Kingdom (2012). Edward Norton, who guest-hosted one of the better recent SNL episodes, also does an excellent turn as Owen Wilson. Check it out.

    FYI, Merriam-Webster defines “coterie” as “a small group of people who are interested in the same thing and who usually do not allow other people to join the group.”

    What is your favorite part of The Midnight Coterie of Sinister Intruders? Leave your two cents in the comments.

  • Wes Anderson’s “Bottle Rocket”: The Short Film Version
  • How Does Moonrise Kingdom Rank Among Wes Anderson’s Films? (Short Review)
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    Rocket Science (Missed Movies)

    rocket science One is tempted to compare Rocket Science (2007) to other quirky adolescent comedies like Rushmore (1998) and Napoleon Dynamite (2004). Rocket Science writer-director Jeffrey Blitz does appear influenced by Rushmore, using music that would not feel out of place in that movie, and he features a young hero, played by Reece Thompson, who looks a bit like Jason Schwartzman, the star of Rushmore. But Rocket Science is its own movie and one worth seeking out.

    Rocket Science tells the story of the 15-year-old Hal Hefner (Thompson), who has a bad stutter but joins the high school debate team to be near the team’s star, played by Anna Kendrick, who has gone on to star in other films like Up in the Air (2009). It took me awhile before I warmed to Rocket Science, but the film slowly draws you in. Despite featuring some cliche’s of this genre, like “the obnoxious brother,” the movie does not go for easy or predictable resolutions.

    At the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, Blitz won the Dramatic Directing Award, and the movie garnered some attention but not as much as other similar movies. I am tempted to say, “if you liked Rushmore, you’ll like Rocket Science,” but actually, if you go in looking for something like Director Wes Anderson’s Rushmore you will probably be disappointed.

    But if you are looking for a different kind of coming-of-age film that maintains a fair amount of realism, this film that is based in part on Blitz’s own adolescence is worth the rental. And at least for now, the full film is on YouTube, while the trailer is below.

    Other Reviews Because Why Should You Trust Me?: Rotten Tomatoes gives Rocket Science an 84% Critics Rating and a 71% Audience Rating. (Rushmore has a similar Critics Rating at 87% but a much higher audience rating at 91%.) Margaret Pomeranz from Australia’s At the Movies said the film is “wryly funny in parts, poignant, interesting, frustrating, but never less than really engaging.” On the other hand, David Cornelius at DVDTalk praises the cast but said the film “toss[es] us attention-grabbing nuttiness that never once feels earned, or needed, or true.”

    {Missed Movies is our continuing series on good films you might have missed because they did not receive the recognition they deserved when released.}

    What did you think of Rocket Science? Leave your two cents in the comments.

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  • Wes Anderson’s “Bottle Rocket”: The Short Film Version

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    How Does Moonrise Kingdom Rank Among Wes Anderson’s Films? (Short Review)

    moonrise kingdom Movie fans probably already know if they will like the new film Moonrise Kingdom (2012). If you like director Wes Anderson‘s other films, you will probably like Moonrise Kingdom. It has a similar look to his other films and his usual quirky characters. So the most helpful question for a review is: Where does Moonrise Kingdom fall on the scale of Wes Anderson films?

    Moonrise Kingdom follows the exploits of a boy and girl who run away together while parents, a sheriff, and a scout troop search for the two. The colorful movie stars Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the two runaways, along with Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, and Anderson-movie-regular Bill Murray. There are smaller appearances by Harvey Keitel, another Anderson regular Jason Schwartzman, and a funny narrating role by Bob Balaban dressed in red. The movie has the usual Anderson touch of using classic songs to provide mood, and he uses some Hank Williams recordings like “Kaw-Liga.”

    In the interest of full disclosure, I have enjoyed all of Wes Anderson’s movies. I think Rushmore (1998) is a wonderful film, and I also thoroughly enjoyed The Royal Tennenbaums (2001). I also enjoyed his one foray so far into animation and using another author’s story in Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009). I liked his debut movie, Bottle Rocket (1996), although he has surpassed that work. For me, Moonrise Kingdom did not exceed Rushmore or The Royal Tennenbaums, but I enjoyed it much more than The Darjeeling Limited (2007) and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2001).

    Moonrise Kingdom has a more linear story than some of his movies, like the intertwining The Royal Tennenbaums. So in some ways it may seem like a smaller film than his other works. But it has genuine laugh-out-loud moments while also being a lyrical memory of early 1960s childhood innocence. Overall, it is thoroughly enjoyable.

    Conclusion? Moonrise Kingdom may not blow you away, but it is a welcome entertaining escape from the summer blockbusters. In the following video, Bill Murray takes you on a tour of the film.

    Other Reviews Because Why Should You Trust Me? Rotten Tomatoes currently has Moonrise Kingdom with an excellent 95% critics rating and a 92% audience rating. Joe Williams at the St. Louis Dispatch argues that it is the best movie of the year so far. Boo Allen at the Denton Record Chronicle (TX) is one of the few dissenters, claiming that the attempts at charming dialogue passages “end up sounding quaint, forced and often ridiculous.”

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    Pop Culture Roundup (Mid-January 2012)

    24 complete series Keifer Sutherland

    In case you were too busy driving around with your dog on your car roof or wondering how to finish that research paper with Wikipedia going dark for a day in protest of a proposed law, here are some of the recent pop culture stories you might have missed.

    Movies

    The Los Angeles Times notes that four recent movies leave the viewer with an open ending. (Watch out for spoilers!)

    Do the proposed new rules for the documentary category of the Academy Awards make sense?

    George Clooney is planning a movie about art historians rescuing art looted by the Nazis.

    Keifer Sutherland reports that shooting for a 24 movie could start in a few months.

    A new documentary looks at the life and career of comedian Bernie Mac.

    Metromix has 21 films to watch for in 2012.

    Another Bruce Almighty sequel is in the works, but this time with Jim Carrey returning.

    James Franco’s new movie about the life of writer Hart Crane is available on demand or through download. (review)

    This year, four film classics return to theaters but this time in 3-D. . .

    The Los Angeles Times takes a look at the character of Sherlock Holmes’s sidekick Watson on the screen through the years.

    NY Times reviews new documentary in the Paradise Lost series about the West Memphis 3, recently cleared of murder.

    Why an empty box was the Star Wars holiday gift sensation in 1977.

    Wes Anderson’s upcoming film is Moonrise Kingdom:

    Music

    Owl and Bear has an interesting list of top 2011 albums.

    The New York Times reviewed Glen Campbell’s “Farewell Tour” performance in NY.

    Bill Moyers explains why Woody Guthrie is relevant now.

    Kelly Willis talks about making an album with her husband Bruce Robison. (No Depression)

    Madlands? Bruce Springsteen’s forthcoming album is angry. (Paste)

    A conversation with Texas legendary troubadour Billy Joe Shaver.

    Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift will perform at Grammy Awards on Feb. 12.

    A proposed Indiana law sets performance standards (w/ fines) for the national anthem at public schools and colleges.

    Turnstyled Junkpiled has a “tribute show” collection of videos of artists covering Townes Van Zandt songs.

    John Fogerty made a guest appearance on the new Fox TV show The Finder, also singing the theme song.

    Van Halen     just released its first David Lee Roth video since 1996.

    Television

    The Golden Globes award show was on Sunday, leading to the question: Do the Golden Globes pick better winners than the Oscars?

    The 500th episode of The Simpsons airs Feb. 19.

    The Paley Center for Media celebrates Bill Cosby’s 50 years in show biz.

    AMC is developing a Goodfellas TV series. Yeah, I think this is funny. Clown funny.

    Hostess Twinkies

    Other Pop Culture News

    Alvin! Check out the history of Alvin and the Chimpmunks.

    Barry Larkin on his election to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

    A new biography of Stephen Hawking celebrates the ideas of the world’s most famous scientist. (review)

    Better start stockpiling those Twinkies and cupcakes. Hostess filed for bankruptcy.

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