10s Movie Review - Collateral Beauty

Director: David Frankel
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 97
Year: 2016
Starring: Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Hellen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Naomi Harris, Michael Peña, Jacob Latimore, Ann Dowd

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2025 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 9: A FILM WITH EDWARD NORTON
 
Description: Retreating from life after a tragedy, a man questions the universe by writing to Love, Time and Death. Receiving unexpected answers, he begins to see how these things interlock and how even loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty.

Review: For advertising man Howard, there are three main abstractions in life that he not only proclaims as a pep talk to his co-workers, but reveals themselves to himself after a tragic loss. He writes letters to each of them: love, time and death. And he gets answers.

It’s orchestrated by his best friends and co-workers, who can no longer watch how Howard is drowning in his grief. They hire three actors, to portray love, time and death. And talk to Howard about the letters he has written.

It’s a thoughtful act, but it feels like more of a way to save their company then to actually help their friend. There is so much misery to digest that cramming it into barely an hour and a half is impossible. Many scenes feel rushed and unfinished. And there is also this plot twist, that I kinda saw coming.

“Collateral Beauty” has an interesting premise and the film is filled with amazing, talented actors. Unfortunately, the film feels rushed and many characters are given background stories, but are left underdeveloped. Some of the actors are underused and didn’t really have much do to with their characters. Director David Frankel did so little with everything that he had and turned it into an over-sentimental forgettable drama.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - Primal Fear

Director: Gregory Hoblit
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime/ Mystery
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 1996
Starring: Richard Gere, Edward Norton, Laura Linney, John Mahoney, Alfre Woodard, Frances McDormand, Maura Tierney, Andre Braugher, Terry O’Quinn, Steven Bauer

Description: An alter boy (Edward Norton) is accused of murdering a priest, and the truth is buried several layers deep.

Review: In Chicago, when an archbishop is murdered in cold blood, alter Boy Aaron Stampler is seen fleeing from the scene covered in blood. It’s as clear is day, but lawyer Martin Vail is eager to take on the defense. He likes cases that will generate a lot of media attention. His charming ex Janet is the prosecutor on the case. But it’s a tough job: the stuttering defendant is a wimpy kid, but was covered in blood.

“Primal Fear” is an exciting thriller, not just set in the courtroom. It’s one of Richard Gere’s best roles and Edward Norton’s first. And especially Norton impresses and he gives away an unforgettable performance. Norton deservedly received an Oscar nomination for his supporting role and knowing that Cuba Gooding Jr. won for “Jerry Maguire” that year, I believe Norton should have won it. He has not won an Academy Award to date, Norton is one of the finest actors out there, and already proved that in his first film.

The film has tension and is investing from start to finish. It has some surprising plot twist, midway and at the end, that blew my mind when I first saw it. But it still impacts after a rewatch. A very good thriller.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Glass Onion

Director: Rian Johnson
Genre: Comedy/ Mystery/ Crime
Runtime: 140 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Daniel Craig, Janelle Monáe, Dave Bautista, Kate Hudson, Edward Norton, Leslie Odom Jr., Kathryn Hahn, Jessica Henwick, Madeline Cline, Ethan Hawke, Hugh Grant
 
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 52: A MOVIE RELEASED THIS YEAR
 
    
Description: Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) travels to Greece for his latest case.

Review: The best murder mysteries have something to say about the world outside the mansion in which the murder takes place. It is the competing interests of people from all sorts of backgrounds, that provide most of the suspense and intrigue; the murder is merely the fuse to the bomb.

This was the strength of “Knives Out”, written and directed by Rian Johnson, which gestured to the cruelty and narrow-mindedness of white America via a bizarre murder in a wealthy family. The sequel “Glass Onion” is set on the private island of the wealthy tech entrepreneur Miles Bron, which is inevitable rocked by murder and intrigue. Once again, old-fashioned detective Benoit Blanc finds himself at the center of the mystery. And once again, the murder prompts digging into the ills of our society.  

“Glass Onion” has to take a few big leaps to get going, we meet all the characters. Not a family this time, but a group of old friends. All invited by Miles, we meet YouTuber Duke, controversial politician Claire, scientist Lionel, star Birdie and longtime associate Andie.  

“Glass Onion” mocks the very richest people, the characters are enhanced and fit perfectly into this crazy, sometimes hilarious murder mystery. Even though this film follows the same story telling structure as “Knives Out”, it being non-linear, “Glass Onion” is a very different movie. Besides the setting, the story is far from the family drama we had in “Knives Out”. Which makes it just as unique. I loved both movies equally.

Again, the film has a fantastic cast. Benoit Blanc is the only character we already knew, played fantastically by Daniel Craig. I think he is one of my newer favorite movie characters. I love his detective style, his way with words, the things that annoy him, the situations he gets himself into or gets into due to others. From the other guest, Janelle Monáe was the one that most impressed me and her character is the most interesting one. Up until the halfway point, her character Andie is a mystery. I loved that.  

“Glass Onion” is one of those films that you need to watch at least one more time, since there will be a lot of things you missed the first time. You have different things to focus on on second viewing, because of the non-linear storyline, things are revealed. On a second viewing, you will be looking for hints, if you could pick them up. And that’s why I love murder mysteries and whodunits like this.

“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” was one of my most-anticipated films of 2022 and it didn’t disappoint. This might even be my favorite film of the year.

Rating: 5/ 5

90s Movie Review - American History X

Director: Tony Kaye
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 1998
Starring: Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D’Angelo, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Avery Brooks, Stacy Keach, Elliot Gould

Description: Former neo-nazi skinhead Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) tries to prevent his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) from going down the same wrong path that he did.

Review: After skinhead Derek Vinyard kills two black burglars, he goes to prison, with pride. The so called ideals of the ‘third reich’ can’t save him there, so Derek chooses a different path and doesn’t want to have anything to do with it anymore. His younger brother Danny though worships Derek and is about to follow the wrong path.
“American History X” is a powerful film, with some shocking violent scenes. That one scene, involving a curb, makes me cringe every time.  It’s a drama with a clearly present moral.
The story alternates between the past and present. The part that’s set in the present day, is shot in full color. The scenes where we learn about Derek’s early life and his time in jail, was shot in black and white. By using these two different styles, it keeps your attention at all times.
The acting is excellent and especially Edward Norton shines. This is his best performance to date and he shows how varied he can be. We see him as the relentless and proud neo-nazi, that doesn’t even blink to kill a man and has a strong opinion about people that aren’t white. But also the change he goes through, where he finally realizes what he did. He is no longer proud of his actions and wants to walk away from that life. Norton was nominated for an Academy Award and in my opinion he should have gone home with the statue.
“American History X” is one of my favorite films and gets to me every time. A great film with an extraordinary performance by Edward Norton.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - The French Dispatch

Director: Wes Anderson
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Léa Seydoux, Timothée Chalamet, Christoph Waltz, Saoirse Ronan, Jeffrey Writgh, Anjelica Huston, Adrien Brody, Edward Norton, Willem Dafoe, Tilda Swinton, Elisabeth moss, Benicio Del Toro, Rupert Friend, Frances McDormand, Liev Schreiber, Henry Winkler, Jason Schwartzman, Mathieu Amalric, Bob Balaban

Description: A love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of stories published in “The French Dispatch Magazine”.

Review: Wes Anderson’s exuberant cinematic world I immediately recognizable to any film lover. With symmetrical compositions, use of color palettes, and ensemble of top actors and extremely detailed sets, Anderson brings somewhat melancholy stories to life in a comical way. This is no different in “The French Dispatch”, with the difference that with even more detail is has become an extremely enjoyable maze of stories and sets. With his latest film, Wes Anderson manages to make at least three full-length feature films in less than two hours. “The French Dispatch” contains an unprecedented wealth of references, styles, locations, details and fun.
With his new film, Anderson simultaneously pays tribute to The New Yorker magazine and his hometown of Paris. In the fictional town of Ennui-sur-Blasé, the editorial staff of The French Dispatch magazine is followed. The film takes the structure of one of the magazine’s issues and the delves into several stories. This magazine contains and obituary, a travel story, and three longer main articles. These articles tell of a student uprising, a painter in prison, and a culinary reviewer who goes to a police station to taste chef Nescaffier’s food.
In “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, Wes Anderson already worked successfully with frame narratives. Once again, the various narrative perspectives flow freely through each other. Yet the whole remains an extremely coherent story. Scenes follow one another at a fast pace, without ever running out of steam. All of these different storylines are also full of humor and extremely interesting stylistic choices.
Everything seems possible again in Anderson’s world. For example, there is a chase scene that takes place entirely in an animation style. In “The Grand Budapest Hotel” there was already a chase made in stop-motion. This break in style does not detract from the film at all. This animation is yet another fantastically thought-out ingredient in this mishmash of influences and styles.  
Wes Anderson not only creates a labyrinth with a multitude of styles and storylines. The sets are also more of a maze than ever. When culinary reporter Roebucj Wright arrives at the police station, it consist of an incredible number of rooms. The camera follows Roebuck through all these rooms with their own identity. In half a minute countless details pass by.
“The French Dispatch” is a declaration of love to cinema from which the passion for the medium shines. It contains everything that makes film such a fantastic art form: complex storylines, a unique visual style and a constant play with light, color, movement and sound. “The French Dispatch” is yet another highlight in Wes Anderson’s already impressive oeuvre and an outstanding form of cinema.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

90s Movie Review - Fight Club

Director: David Fincher
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 139 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Jared Leto

Description: An insomniac office worker (Edward Norton), looking for a way to change his life, crosses paths with a devil-may-care soap maker (Brad Pitt), forming an underground fight club that evolves into something much, much more...

Review: “Fight Club” is a movie whose opinion vary widely. Fans of the movie praise it, opponents are very negative. It doesn’t happen that the opinions are so different, but the makers of “Fight Club” seem to be proud of it.
Director David Fincher has a very recognizable style. In movies like “Se7en”, “The Game” and “Panic Room” you can clearly see it. Beautiful shot, like the movement through keyholes in “Panic Room”, not showing you something important but knowing what it’s about like the climactic scene in “Se7en”. It’s all classic Fincher. The lather is used a couple of times in “Fight Club”.
The message that the movie wants to give you is clear within the first ten minutes. The worls is messed up, because of commercialization. Edward Norton’s characters, who is addicted to support groups, fits this world perfectly. He feels like something is missing. After meeting his complete opposite Tyler, he joins ‘Fight Club’.
The absurd activities of the two characters are told so convincingly, which makes this movie interesting from beginning till end. There is a certain tension throughout the entire movie and the climax is the highlight of the film. This also makes you want to watch the movie again, because with foreknowledge you go into this film completely different. And this makes you realize how brilliant “Fight Club” actually is.
Edward Norton and Brad Pitt are both fantastic, but also Helena Bonham Carter is great. Meat Loaf is also surprisingly good.
“Fight Club” is original, disturbing and extraordinary, a film you should see (at least twice).

Rating: 5/ 5

00s Movie Review - Red Dragon

Director: Brett Ratner
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2002
Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, Emily Watson, Harvey Keitel, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ken Leung, Anthony Heald

Description: Will Graham is a retired FBI agent (Edward Norton) with psychological gifts. He is assigned to track down “The Tooth Fairy”, a mysterious serial killer. Aiding him is imprisoned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins).

Review: FBI director Crawford wants nobody other then former FBI agent Will Graham to come out of retirement to work on the case of a serial killer called the Tooth Fairy. Will takes it and gets help from imprisoned forensic psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter.
It’s a fairly simple story. In terms of structure, the film is a lot life “Silence of the Lambs”. “Red Dragon” is a prequel to that movie. And it’s also a remake of “Manhunter” from 1986, starring William Petersen, Brian Cox and Tom Noonan. Ridley Scott’s “Hannibal” was a bit disappointing, also since Jodie Foster didn’t reappear as Clarice Starling. And choosing Brett Ratner as a director was somewhat strange, since he is mostly known for comedies.
Although “Red Dragon” never reaches the high level of “Silence of the Lambs”, this is still a really strong and impactful thriller. What especially appeals is the terrifyingly convincing role played by Ralph Fiennes, as the Tooth Fairy. His performance is chilling and creepy. Edward Norton brings an enormous amount of intelligence to the role of Will Graham. But the best thing is Anthony Hopkins, reprising his most iconic role as Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
“Red Dragon” is a really good film, the best film in the series after “Silence of the Lambs”.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - Isle of Dogs

Director: Wes Anderson
Genre: Animation/ Adventure
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Greta Gerwig, Frances McDormand, Scarlett Johansson, Harvey Keitel, F. Murray Abraham, Tilda Swinton, Yoko Ono, Ken Watanabe, Fisher Stevens, Liev Shreiber, Courtney B. Vance, Angelica Huston

Description: Set in Japan, Isle of Dogs follows a boy's odyssey in search of his lost dog.

Review: Wes Anderson is a unique filmmaker. One we can’t compare to any other filmmaker in Hollywood. He shines with his humor, mix of arthouse and commercial cinema. That last is because of all the great actors and actresses he always manages to get. Anderson already proofed with “Fantastic Mr. Fox”, that stop-motion is right up his alley. And “Isle of Dogs” is another one of his masterpieces.
All Japanese vocals are translated by a translator, computer or exchange student. This is what we see at the start of “Isle of Dogs”. The barking of the dogs is indeed English. And it’s true. A lot of Japanese. And not all is translated, but that’s not necessary. The most important tale is told by the animals.
Dogs had to fight for their position in Japan for ages. But in the fictional metropole Megasaki, the four legged friends are no longer welcome. A dog virus broke out and mayor Kobayasho orders to send all the dogs to a trash island. The dogs try to make it their own place. But their peace is disturbed when Atari, the mayor’s nephew, crashes onto the island while looking for his dog Spots.
It’s clear Wes Anderson is not a big fan of 3D. All the dogs are almost always seen in a frontal position, from the side or from above. I love his style, it has charm and it’s never too much. You are amazed by everything without losing your focus of the story.
“Isle of Dogs” is a modern fable about (literally) and underdog that tries to better the situation with unity, wit and humor. Wes Anderson has done it again!

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 90: Sausage Party

Director: Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon
Genre: Comedy/ Animation/ Adventure
Runtime: 89 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Seth Rogen, Michael Cera, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Danny McBride, Edward Norton, Craig Robnson, Nick Kroll, Paul Rudd, David Krumholtz, Salma Hayek

Description: A sausage strives to discover the truth about his existence

Review: If you put the creative minds of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and Jonah Hill together, before you know it you get another hilarious concept. And I think there had to be some weed involved when the idea for “Sausage Party” was born. An animation about talking food, that has to run before they get eaten. It sounds super weird and it somehow is, but it’s damn funny.
“Sausage Party” is not the kind of animation you want to watch with your children. It’s adult humor. And it’s a giant wink to Pixar and Disney. The food in the Shopwell supermarket starts their day with a song, every day. If people buy them, they are chosen. But none of them know what happens to them. Sausage Frank and bun Brenda happen to fall out of the cart, right before the registry. And soon they are about to find out what their actual fate is.
“Sausage Party” is child unfriendly. It’s politically incorrect, sexist, stereotypical, has unsubtle sex jokes and many food related word puns. There is a very macabre scene where the food finds out what really happens to them and there is off course that so-called food porn at the end of the film. And the fact that the villain in the film is a vaginal shower, says enough.
Rogen and Goldberg give the finger to anyone that claims animation is only for kids and that there is always supposed to be a message hidden somewhere. So you shouldn’t take “Sausage Party” too seriously. What “Sausage Party” is, is original, fun and crossing the line. And I like it!

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 84: Stone

Director: John Curran

Genre: Drama/ Thriller

Runtime: 101 minutes

Year: 2010

Starring: Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, Milla Jovovich, Frances Conroy

Description: A convicted arsonist (Edward Norton) looks to manipulate a parole officer (Robert De Niro) into a plan to secure his parole by placing his beautiful wife (Milla Jovovich) in the lawman's path.

Review: Jack Mabry is a parole officer and is about to retire. He evaluates prisoners who think they can leave prison earlier because of good behavior. His last case is Gerald ‘Stone’ Creeson, who has three more years left of his sentence. Stone tries it through his wife Lucetta, who has to talk Mabry into releasing Stone.

De Niro is at his best when you provoke him. And he doesn’t disappoint. But the fact that the relentless lawman falls for the tricks of the seductive Lucetta, feels a bit improbable. Edward Norton has been better before. I was annoyed by his voice, it sounded very weird in this movie. And Milla Jovovich is a beautiful woman, but her performance is so bad. Frances Conroy, who is a fantastic actress, doesn’t get enough to do here.

“Stone” has lots of symbolism and references to the Bible, to give it a deeper meaning. But that deeper meaning is what’s missing. The story is not interesting enough to stay focused the entire time, even with actors like De Niro and Norton.

“Stone” is one of those movies you forget within minutes after watching it.

Rating: 2/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 12: Birdman

Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan

Description: Washed up actor Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), who once played an iconic superhero, battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself in the days leading up to the opening of a Broadway play.

Review: Movies by Alejandro González Iñárritu were characterized by the way the story was told. A puzzle of unlucky, life changing decisions and what consequences they had on life. The characters put the pieces of the puzzle together. When Iñárritu made “Biutiful”, he focused on only one character. With “Birdman” the director decided to go further with that more intimate approach.
Riggan Thomson is loved by the audience for his role of Birdman. That character still lives in his head. As the actor of the fictional Birdman trilogy, he got the fame. But he wants to be adored by the whole world, so he wants to break through on Broadway as well. But before the play ‘What We Talk About, When We Talk About Love’ premieres, there are a lot of obstacle to overthrow. “Birdman” is self-conscious and has a lot of double layers. Choosing Michael Keaton to play an actor who used to play a superhero, was off course a deliberate choice, he got fame for playing “Batman”. There is a thin line between fiction and reality.
The cinematography is excellent. Iñárritu hardly used any montages, the movie looks like it was filmed in only one take. It seems like one long continuous shot.
Michael Keaton is sublime in his role as Riggan Thomson. It looks like Keaton will finally get the recognition he deserves, because he’s always been a fantastic actor. And Keaton is surrounded by an amazing supporting cast: Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis are all at the top of their game. Especially the last two should get more credit for their roles, Stone and Norton already did by receiving an Academy Award nomination as well as Keaton.
Alejandro González Iñárritu manages to keep “Birdman” light, with the dark humor. The cast performs incredibly well and visually this movie is an actual movie experience. “Birdman” is a fantastic film.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Battle: American History X Vs. This is England

The two movie I choose this time, both center a pretty strong theme. It’s about a sub culture, the skinheads. There are similar because of the central theme, but they are both very different movies on their own. “American History X” Vs. “This is England”.

 

 

ACTORS

American History X: Edward Norton plays his best role so far, in my opinion. And Edward Furlong plays his little brother, also very solid. Beverly D’Angelo, Elliott Gould and Stacy Keach also portray very solid roles.

This is England: Thomas Turgoose is good as the boy the story centers around. But most impressive is Stephen Graham as Combo. His best role so far.

STORY

American History X: Norton plays former neo-nazi skinhead Derek, trying to prevend his younger brother from going down the same wrong path he did. I can remember that one scene on that curb…. Crinch!

This is England: Shaun is a troubled boy growing up in England, set in 1983. He comes across a few skinheads on his way home from school. They become his best friends, even like family. One of Britain’s best movies.

EFFECTS

American History X: What I think is most amazing is the contrast. Present day is filmed in full color and the flashbacks from Derek’s past are in black and white.

This is England: The movie got this typical British 80’s feel to it.

WINNER

Close call, because they are both memorable movies. But it’s “American History X” that will always be on my favourites list.

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 83: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Director: Wes Anderson

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Runtime: 101 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Jude Law, Saoirse Ronan, Lé Seydoux, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, F. Murray Abraham, Harvey Keitel, Tom Wilkinson Mathieu Amalric

Description: The adventures of Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

Review: You love his work or you hate it. Where most directors want to be as realistic as possible, Wes Anderson does the opposite and makes everything look artificial. In “The Grand Budapest Hotel” we can again see this and it’s another highlight in his career. A mix of diverse genres leads to a crazy adventure.

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a story within a story within a story. The three time fazes are all filmed in different formats and color schemes. We start in the eighties, when we see a girl with a book and a key walk up to a statue of a deceased author. Next we make a leap back in time and we see that same author, talking to the audience, telling us how the story of “The Grand Budapest Hotel” started. Then we jump to the sixties, where we see the young author in that hotel, meeting owner Zero Mustafa. He tells the story and that’s where all the madness starts. At the start of the 1930’s the hotel was hot and happening. Especially rich, elderly ladies love coming there. Does it have anything to do with the charming and charismatic concierge Gustave H.? Through the eyes of the young Zero, who is thought by Gustave, we see how everything works in the hotel. When one of the guests, Madame D, dies under mysterious circumstances, Gustave inherits the pricey painting ‘Boy with Apple’. His fascist son Dmitri isn’t happy about that.

The cast is filled with many great actors. Most only have a small role. Some are common faces in Wes Anderson films, like Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Owen Wilson. Ralph Fiennes is the one carrying the film. He does it so well. On one hand he is this super slick charmer, but he can also be vulgar and crafty. And his comedic timing is just perfect.

Besides comedy “The Grand Budapest Hotel” is a mystery, action thriller and a romance. But most of all it’s a tribute to the days gone by. As no one else Wes Anderson mixes reality and fiction together. It’s like a storybook coming to life.The result: a hilarious and unique film, like only Anderson can make, perfected in every detail and filled with great characters.

Rating: 5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 17: Moonrise Kingdom

Director: Wes Anderson
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 93 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Jason Schwartzman, Harvey Keitel, Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward

Description: Set on an island off the coast of New England in the 1960s, as a young boy and girl fall in love they are moved to run away together. Various factions of the town mobilize to search for them and the town is turned upside down.

Review: Problematic families, impossible loves, existential voids; those are known themes for director Wes Anderson. The obstinate Anderson makes movies you either love or hate. “Moonrise Kingdom” is a distinctive film, especially the wonderful world he has created and he takes the viewers on a magical journey.
The leading roles are for the very young Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward, who decide to run away together after exchanging mail. Their roles are very mature and the performances are very solid. But that’s the key ingredients: kids who act like adults and adult who simply don’t want to grow up. The film has quirky characters, a bit of dry humor but also a touch of emotion. “Moonrise Kingdom” is the ‘sweetest’ film Anderson has made so far. That all has to do with the young lovers, but there’s more. Like Bruce Willis’ character, who has something touching because he’s not a too smart sheriff with good intensions. And Edward Norton, who’s constantly a bit nervous.
For me Wes Anderson movies are always a joy to watch. Just the detailed décor and the witty, sweet and quirky characters and humor alone makes it a great movie experience. It’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, but fans have enough to look forward to.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Top 5 Thursday: Actors Who Deserved an Academy Award

While wathcing the Academy Awards it happened many times that the one I wanted to win, didn't. And I was actually mad about it. Sometimes the actors had already one an Academy Award, but that doesn't matter. Here are my five actors who I think Deserved an Oscar.

5. Tom Cruise in "Born on the 4th of July"
He has been in many great film, but his role in "Born on the 4th of July" is simply the best. Cruise was so convincing and he touched me.

4. Edward Norton for "American History X"
Norton was fantastic in this film, a great performance. And also one of the best films made.

3. William H. Macy for "Fargo"
He was nominated for his supporting role and I think he did a tremendous job. Macy is a master in playing men who you feel sorry for.

2. Russell Crowe for "A Beautiful Mind"
Denzel Washington won that year, and that's fine, but I'm mostly mad that Crowe won for "Gladiator" and didn't for "A Beautiful Mind". I think it's pretty obvious that his performance as John Nash is much better and tougher to play.

1. James Franco for "127 Hours"
I was raging mad when I found out James didn't win the Oscar. This is one of the best performances I've seen in the past 10 years. Amazing. Colin Firth won that year, but he played a British king with a speech problem... come on!

They Almost Made the Top 5: Leonardo DiCaprio for Blood Diamond, Kevin Costner for Dances with Wolves, Samuel L. Jackson for Pulp Fiction

Best of... Edward Norton

Yesterday I watched "Fight Club" and that reminded me again of how good an actor Edward Norton actually is. And how many great films he made. I think he's kind of underrated. Here are my favorite Norton movies.

"Primal Fear"
The star of the movie was Richard Gere, but Edward Norton was by far the best performer in this film. He even got a Oscar nomination. I haven't seen this film in a long time, but I really do like it.

"The People Vs. Larry Flint"
A very controversial film about a pornography publisher, portrayed by Woody Harrelson, who launched Hustler magazine. Edward plays his lawyer and does a good job. The reason I liked this movie is because the 'hero' isn't perfect but you still kinda root for him.

"American History X"
I was completely overwhelmed when I saw it for the first time. I think this is my favorite Norton movie. He plays Derek Vinyard, an ex-con who used to be a neo-nazi. Now his younger brother is going down the same wrong path as he did and Derek is trying to stop him. Great acting, a fantastic film. I only look away during the scene where the guy has to put his mouth on the curb.

"Fight Club"
I think this is the overall favorite for most people, but a good second for me. This film is brilliant. The way the story is told, the extravagant characters and the plot twist at the end. Nice work!

"The Score"
It's a pretty standard story, but I always liked this film. Three generations of good actors in it: Brando, De Niro and Norton. I think Norton does the best job here, especially when he pretends to be a mentally challenged man.

"Red Dragon"
This film takes place before the events that happened in "The Silence of the Lambs". Off course it's not as good, but I enjoyed this movie very much.

"25th Hour"
The last 24 hours of a guy who will face a seven-year jail term. Not a very well known film, but definitely worth watching. And Nortons acting performance is again great.

"The Painted Veil"
Not a typical Norton film, but one of my favorites as well. Together with Naomi Watts he forms a great couple and they are very believable in their performances. Truly amazing film, beautifully shot.

"The Incredible Hulk"
I hated "Hulk", so I wasn't really thrilled about this at first. But my brother talked me into seeing it. And thank God I did. It was so much better and I actually kinda loved it. The special effects where better, the casting and acting was good and it was a good comic book adaptation.