“Moonrise Kingdom” Trailer Unmistakably the Work of Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson is one of the most stylized filmmakers of his generation, with a distinctive look and feel to his films. Does he take it too far? Sometimes. Can his work feel a wee precious? On occasion. But when the man is on his game, he's among the best working today, and the trailer for his next film shows him in fine form.

"Moonrise Kingdom," which Anderson co-wrote with Roman Coppola (son of Francis Ford, brother of Sofia), is about a boy and girl who run off together, sending a wave of panic across their town. Here's the official synopsis:

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, MOONRISE KINGDOM tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore -- and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. Bruce Willis plays the local sheriff. Edward Norton is a Khaki Scout troop leader. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand portray the young girl's parents. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton, Jason Schwartzman, and Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the boy and girl.

Anderson's last film, "The Fantastic Mr. Fox," was a triumphant return to form for the director, after two disappointing efforts--"Darjeeling Limited" and "Life Aquatic"--which came after the divisive "Royal Tenenbaums" (we were in the anti- camp). And if you've never seen Coppola's first film, "CQ," An homage to '60s cinema starring Jeremy Davies, we highly recommend it. While "Moonrise Kingdom" is definitely a Wes Anderson film, Coppola's aesthetic is very much in evidence.

"Moonrise Kingdom" opens May 25.

Contact Us