MOONRISE KINGDOM
One of my favorite screenplays of the year, Wes Anderson has a way about writing that brings out the comedic in the most mundane of ways. Set around two runaway children and the search party of family, friends, and khaki scouts, you never quite know where a Wes Anderson comedy is going to take you, but you love the adventure it takes you on. Wes Anderson has been nominated for Best Original Screenplay once before, for “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001) and was nominated for his work in directing “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009). Roman Coppola receives his first ever nomination this year.
Were I choosing Best Original Screenplay this year, “Moonrise Kingdom” would win by far. But with Best Picture usually sweeping at the Oscars, I don’t see much of shot for Anderson’s latest project. What will be prevalent is “Zero Dark Thirty”, with Mark Boal having a strong chance of winning for a second time. Also, with all the nominations it surprisingly received this year, “Amour” has a strong possibility of taking the award home this year too. Not to count out Quentin Tarantino completely, as he did win the Golden Globe this year, so even he will be ranking above “Moonrise Kingdom”, which is rather disheartening for Wes Anderson fans.
REVIEW
With Moonrise Kingdom, Wes Anderson proves he is at the top of his game, with stunningly choreographed cinematography, brilliant set pieces, and some of the best child acting in recent memory, proving that first-time actress Kara Hayward and first-time actor Jared Gilman both have long, fruitful careers ahead of them. The love story is ripe, with writer/director Anderson never being afraid to delve into young romance in all of its glory. Tied together nicely with Anderson’s trademark quirky humor and an award-worthy score from super-composer Alexandre Desplat, Moonrise Kingdom is one of my favorite films so far this year.
Screenplay Download: http://www.focusawards2012.com/scripts/MoonriseKingdom.pdf
// Produced by Jeremy Dawson, Scott Rudin, Wes Anderson, & Steven M. Rales // Directed by Wes Anderson // Written by Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola //
// Dated Viewed: Sunday, January 20th, 2013 // BLU-RAY // 24 films – 36 days //
