Bottle Rocket
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Movie Reviews of Bottle Rocket
Movie Review: a real gem
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a movie that some people will find boring and that some people will find very very funny. I am part of the latter group.
Essentially, `Bottle Rocket' is about 3 young men. 1.) Anthony (Luke Wilson) - a somewhat caring, laid back and under-motivated dude. 2.) His pal Dignan (Owen Wilson) - an extremely motivated - albeit misguided - and overly energetic guy, who is perhaps a little clueless. And 3.) Bob - a guy who always wears Reservoir Dog-esque suits; Bob seems frequently annoyed by Dignan's antics but puts up with him because he is kind of lonely.
The plot of this movie is really not that important, and I fear that a too thorough description might be misleading. Yes - the film revolves around the three friends' attempts at small crimes, but this is not a slap-stick comedy about burglaries gone awry (even though they are entirely inept and even though the burglaries are extraordinarily funny). Rather, this is a very dry comedy that thrives on dialogue (vs. physical humor). If you've seen writer/director Wes Anderson's other films (such as `Rushmore' and `The Royal Tenenbaums'), you know what I mean.
This movie is one of my all-time favorite comedies (and my favorite of the Anderson films) for two reasons.
1. The characters are entirely likeable. They're doofuses, but they are really sweet. It's impossible not to root for them. For instance, when they rob a local bookstore, they don't blast into it like a bunch of tough guys. They are bumbling and apologetic - and yet, as giddy as can be. I mean - they're really excited to be hanging out with each other and to be pulling off this heist. It's almost like a bonding experience for them. And this is the tone throughout the film. Despite disagreements, they really care for each other. Their playfulness (and quasi-innocence) is accentuated by the lighthearted soundtrack (which is also excellent).
2. The delivery in this film could not be more subtle. Let's contrast the humor in `Bottle Rocket' with the sort of humor exhibited by other contemporary comedians. Take Will Farrell. When he delivers a funny line, he's usually half naked, his eyes are bulging out of his head, and he shouts it at the top of his lungs so that everyone can hear him. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with Will Farrell. I mean, I personally don't find him that funny, but I know a lot of people who do. I just want to use him as a point of contrast. Now take this scene from `Bottle Rocket' and compare:
Dignan is in a ridiculous yellow jumpsuit on some sort of rundown moped and is talking to Anthony. Bob's macho and not-so-nice older brother - Future Man - pulls up in a jeep and mocks Dignan's attire. After Future Man drives away, Dignan is feeling pretty hurt. Anthony tries to make him feel better and says something to the effect of, "Come on, man. Did you see what he was wearing?" (Future man had on a waspy, pastel colored polo shirt.) Dignan replies under his breath (I didn't even catch the line the first time I saw this movie) and in all seriousness, "Yeah. It was pretty cool..." This is the sort of comedy I love. It's not in-your-face. It's barely on the radar. If subtle humor likewise appeals to you, then chances are you will love `Bottle Rocket.' Worth noting, for those of you who have seen `Royal Tenenbaums' and are expecting something more or less identical - `Bottle Rocket' is in the same vein of comedy - but is definitely more subtle and less "colorful." I just want to warn you so that your expectations don't cloud your appreciation of this hilarious film.
Movie Review: "Does the fact I'm trying to do it for you do it for you?"
Summary: 5 Stars
I might as well not even try to give BOTTLE ROCKET a fair and balanced review because Owen Wilson is all I can talk about when it comes to this movie. His character, Dignan, is the embodiment of what movie characters should be: entities that live beyond the movie, beyond time, and beyond the actor who plays them. Dignan is quite possibly the best movie creation I have seen in a LONG time. I have a newfound respect for Owen Wilson's acting and his screenwriting ability.
With my short homage to Dignan being over (for now...), I will say that BOTTLE ROCKET does not fail to live up to Wes Anderson's usual offbeat comedies. Having seen RUSHMORE and THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS before this movie, I was well prepared for the characters in BOTTLE ROCKET to be slightly insane, off-beat and freakishly realistic at the same time. There seems to be a common vein that runs through all of Anderson's lead characters--an insatiable drive towards something that the audience (and other characters) may not be able to grasp until the end. You know going into a Wes Anderson film that you are going to be treated with a rare glimpse of an indiscernible time period where the constraints of reality/normalcy do not exist.
I must agree with many of the other reviewers here in that this movie is definitely not for people who can ONLY find humor in the obvious slapstick/punch-line formula. I think all of Anderson's movies are in the "love `em or hate `em" category for this reason. The humor in this movie is understated, of course, and it lives within the idiosyncrasies of the characters. The way certain characters deliver their dialogue with their own unique brand of subtle comedy makes this movie what it is: a completely quotable riot for those "in the know" to relish on.
And now I'm back to Dignan. His sincerity and enthusiasm will overwhelm you. In one scene all he does is make a semi honk its horn with the usual yanking motion out a car window, but the gleam in his eyes and smile on his face when he says "Did you hear that?" evokes a pure, childlike excitement that lights up the screen. Dignan definitely sees through the eyes of a child-the world is in black and white to him...maybe only one color, actually. The only things that matter to him are his best bud, Anthony (Luke Wilson as the compassionate realist he plays well) and his "75-Year Plan."
Okay, I must finish here because I could go on for a while...nobody wants that. Just watch this movie. "I'm calling my gang! KA-CAW! KA-CAW!"
Movie Review: Rocket away
Summary: 5 Stars
Taking a trip into Wes Anderson's head is like going into a parallel universe where most things are the same, but the nature of reality is just slightly warped. And that formula holds true for "Bottle Rocket," his first collaboration with actor Owen Wilson (who also stars), an absurdist crime caper.Anthony (Luke Wilson) has just been released from a mental hospital after being treated for exhaustion ("You haven't worked a day in your life. How could you be exhausted?"). He hangs out with his idealistically weird pal Dignan (Owen Wilson), who has mapped out his life over the next 75 years. Dignan, having seen a TV special, has decided to become a master criminal.
First they recruitt the timid Bob (Bob Musgrave) as the getaway driver, as he is the only one who has a car. They practice for a while on smaller-time burglaries, such as robbing a bookstore -- then hiding out at a motel, where Anthony falls in love with the pretty South-American maid (Lumi Cavazos). However, the guys find themselves in hot water when they bump into a REAL crime boss (James Caan).
Wes Anderson's touch is a little rough in his movie debut, but it's that slightly unpolished touch that makes his offbeat style a delight here. For example, Anthony "escapes" from a hospital that he can leave anytime he wants. That unnecessarily complex opener sets the tone of the rest of the movie, of thrillseeking young men who are just a little out of sync with the rest of us.
Don't expect stupid puns, toilet humor and bad sex jokes. "Bottle Rocket" shares the dry, funny, erratic humor of Anderson's later movies. Not to mention a thousand funny little lines ("Bob stole his car!"). Anderson and Wilson avoid being self-consciously cool, in favor of being earnestly quirky. No banter, just wit.
The Wilson brothers are in fine form here, especially when interacting with one another. Anthony is calmer and thinks a lot; Dignan is idealistic and wacky almost to the point of mental illness. They have a certain innocence despite their illegal ambitions, and it's fun just to see them ramble around. They, Inez and Bob are sort of misfits, but not the kind you laugh at.
It's a little erratic, but "Bottle Rocket" comes across as fresh, weird, and extremely well-done. Funny, zany and charming crime comedy with a twist of Wes Anderson.
Movie Review: A unique, new voice in Hollywood
Summary: 5 Stars
Wes Anderson is not for everyone. Personally, he's my favorite modern-day director and this is my favorite of all of his films. I fell in love with this movie right from the get-go. The directing is so unique and the film's score by Mothersbaugh is simply brilliant. The characters in this film (like the three other Anderson films) are all so likeable no matter how eccentric and dysfunctional they may be. Everyone in the cast does a fantastic job, but Owen Wilson (Dignan) steals the show. His performance in this film, in my opinion, is by far the finest work he has done to date. It's pure comic genius, and one could easily say that this was a role that he was born to play as cliche as that may sound. I would also have to say the same about his charming brother Luke as well (although he did an excellent job in the Royal Tennebaums too). James Caan in a small, supporting role is absolutely hilarious on top of just being Jimmy Caan, one of the coolest cats alive! He gives the film that extra added kick that it needs half way through when he first appears on screen.
I personally love this film but like I stated earlier, it is definately not for everyone. The humor is subtle and wry, but it's non-stop throughout the movie - you just need to pay attention! There are so many classic lines as many of the other reviewers mentioned. I have shown this movie to many friends of mine, some get it and love it while others look at me as if I'm from another planet. However, I am a 'strange' dude when it comes to movies. I usually despise Academy Award winning/nominated films (i.e. Titanic, American Beauty, etc...) or can't figure out why 'American Pie' and 'The Break Up' are considered to be so damn funny. So then again, what do I know? I know one thing - this movie is what movies are supposed to be - ENTERTAINING from start to finish. If I could give it another star I would!
Now please Mr. Anderson, hurry up and make another film!
Movie Review: bottle rocket - quirky & verbose humor spillage
Summary: 5 Stars
one word to describe wes anderson's style - QUIRKY. (though-really- i don't think you can describe him w/one word.) the film centers around a young man, Dignan, who dreams of the one big heist. he drafts into his big heist army his mentally exhausted friend, Anthony, and a follower pal, Bob - whose primary role is the getaway car. after their test run heist, subsequent hiding out and falling-out between Dignan & Anthony, Dignan enlists the expertise of a previous employer who steals from anyone. his well thought out plan plumets to just shenanigans when the members of this big heist can't follow through.
this movie is hilarious. but it is not humorous in a dumb & obvious way. a person actually has to have a keen sense of humor to enjoy this film (there are those out there who have no sense of humor). so if you are one of the few w/o a developed sense of humor, you will not enjoy this film. (i personally have an overly-developed sense of humor and think everything is funny-i'm so unprejudiced when it comes to laughter.) one way the non-dumbness of this film is proven, and i have noticed this same thing w/other wes anderson movies - rushmore & the royal tennebaums - is how upon your second, third, fourth, fifth, etc, etc., viewing, you are still catching yet more and more funny things that are extremely witty or ironic or surprising. It could be something as obscure as the heading on a poster hanging on a wall that has a total screen time of 2 seconds. The layers and efforts at depthness & completeness that Mr. Anderson puts into his projects should be applauded.
The characters in the film are well developed and well acted by, primarily, Owen & Luke Wilson, and don't leave you with gaping questions as why they did that & this. Luke & Owen are strong and funny actors in their own right, and with Wes Anderson directing them, their teamwork culminates in a film of wit, intellect, albeit convoluted morality and, surprisingly, poignancy.