Fantastic Might Be an Overstatement

Rating: 7/10 (24 July 2011)

Pretty much exactly how I imagined a stop-motion Wes Anderson movie to turn out. The first two acts are really clever, genuine and quirky, then the third drags on forever. Anderson pulled in his usual cast of characters (really, has he made a film without Owen Wilson, Bill Murray and / or Jason Schwartzman?) but they once again pull a miracle by feeling right at home in the new characters' skins, and the new additions fit right in alongside them. George Clooney was perfect as the slightly shady, endlessly charismatic lead, Willem Dafoe has a great cameo as one of the villains and everyone else's performance seems to key off that energy. I re-watched The Life Aquatic With Zissou a few months back and enjoyed it much more on my second viewing, which is consistent with most of Anderson's movies for me, and fully expect this one to get better with repeat viewings, as well. Even bearing that in mind, it was mostly charming and truly entertaining as a goofball throwback to the old school the first time through.