Moonrise Kingdom - 7 stars out of 10

Moonrise Kingdom - 7 stars out of 10

"Moonrise Kingdom" is a fun lesson in absurdity and a reminder that films sometimes take themselves too seriously.  Wes Anderson's script places several of Hollywood's greatest actors into an over-the-top comedic world.  It is so much fun to watch all of these serious actors portray such ridiculous roles, particularly Ed Norton.  Other big names include Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and Harvey Keitel.  The 1965 setting has a unique fantasy atmosphere to it, almost like "Leave It To Beaver meets Alice In Wonderland."  The film is filled with fun details, from the raccoons on the boat and camping uniform to the use of colors throughout the film.  I loved the use of Benjamin Britten's "Young Musician's Guide to the Orchestra" during the opening credits and then Alexandre Desplat's incredibly clever imitation during the closing credits to highlight his own orchestration of the film.  I have never been so fascinated by the music during the closing credits.  Desplat's entire score is wonderful, fun and whimsical, and he still manages to play homage to several other important historical musical pieces (such as Saint-Saens' "Carnival of the Animals").  "Moonrise Kingdom" isn't a life-changing film but it's a nice vacation from critically-acclaimed dramas and bonehead comedies that dominate the theater line-up.