Another smart, quirky effort for the director of 'The Royal Tenenbaums'

Rating: 7/10 (8 June 2012)

The key to appreciating a Wes Anderson film, is the ability to pick up on his clipped and funny dialogue (usually voiced by actors in a totally serious deadpan monotone), goofy situations and quirky characters - that slip between incredibly believable and ridiculously surreal.
Anderson, who directed such memorable efforts as "Rushmore," "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "The Fantastic Mr. Fox," utilizes the talents of writing partner, Roman Coppola ("The Darjeeling Limited"), to bring to life this sweet, often hilarious story of two misfits who try to form a loving bond, despite difficult odds.
It's 1965, and a huge storm is heading for a small New England island, or so we are told by the Narrator (Bob Balaban, "Capote," "For Your Consideration"). Then, we meet the Bishop family: dad (Bill Murray, "Zombieland"), mom (Francis McDormand, a voice in "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted), three precocious little boys and the loner daughter, Suzy (Kara Hayward).
Suzy has evidently been communicating with another third wheel, Sam (Jared Gilman), an orphan who excels as a Khaki Scout, but does not play well with others. Having informed his leader, Scoutmaster Randy Ward (Edward Norton, "The Incredible Hulk"), that he has resigned from the organization, he takes off to meet his soul-mate.
Meanwhile, the island police (one officer, Bruce Willis), Ward, Mr. Bishop and a group of scouts are searching for the twosome as the weather continues to deteriorate. Later, Scout Commander Pierce (Harvey Keitel, "National Treasure: Book Of Secrets") and a social worker named "Social Services" (Tilda Swinton, "We Need To Talk About Kevin," an Oscar-winner for "Michael Clayton"), join the chase.
The two manage to avoid their pursuers - for a while, at least - but are soon captured and locked in a scout camp. They are then able to slip away again, but this time face an even bigger foe - atmospheric conditions.
Tied together with more than just a puppy love for one another, Suzy and Sam know they are different, know they will most likely never fit in this tiny island society and seem perfectly and happy and aloof in their isolation.
The Bishops are seething that their only daughter is cavorting with the bizarre little freak (the little boys in the family just miss the record player Suzy stole from them), but Willis feels sympathy for Sam, while Scoutmaster Ward just wants to do his duty to locate the runaways.
The writing is snappy and appropriately fast-paced, even though the movie itself takes the time to build both story and character development. Rural island locations are lush and wonderfully lensed by cinematographer Robert D. Yeoman ("Bridesmaids," "Get Him To the Greek"), as is the foreboding inclement weather.
Hayward and Gilman are talented beyond their years, and there is great chemistry between them. Anderson also lets the camera linger on them during pre-teen moments we've all been through (awkward meeting, first kiss, inaugural fight, etc.). Willis and Norton also shine, mixing some pathos with pure hilarity.
Murray (who worked with Anderson in "Rushmore" and "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou") and McDormant as feuding married lawyers are not on screen long enough to really make much of a difference, but are effective in their small roles.
For those who appreciate this kind of smart writing, a sweet story with real - although sometimes eccentric - characters, "Moonrise Kingdom" will delight and viewers will wish there was more than just 94 minutes to spend watching this gem.