The excellent ensemble cast of Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson’s movies regularly split their audiences into those who embrace their whimsically eccentric nature or those who find them too smart for their own good.
Although the trademark Anderson-isms are present and correct (methodical, angular camerawork; retro soundtrack; self-referential dialogue), Moonrise Kingdom is his most accessible and warm-hearted work to date; a coming-of-age tale in which childhood sweethearts Sam and Suzy (Jared Gilman and Kara Heywood, both pitch-perfect) turn their small island community upside down when they run away together.
The performances from Anderson regulars (Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman) and virgins (Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand) are uniformly excellent in this splendid work that is equal parts sad and optimistic.
three rows back 
I felt this was definitely his most mature film to death, as he is learning to balance his quirk so it’s not too overwhelming. Check out my review http://amandalovesmovies.com/2012/05/27/moonrise-kingdom/
I know what you mean; he was starting to become a caricature of himself. I rewatched Bottle Rocket a while ago – simple, good natured fun without the self-conscious style. Will take a look at your review. Thanks for the feedback!
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