The Darjeeling Limited

The Darjeeling Limited
$14.98
This movie feels no different than any other Wes Anderson film - it has Owen Wilson and Bill Murray and Anjelica Huston in it - and yet, there's something different. What is it that is not quite the same? Is it the fact that the film is set in India, that his cast of characters now includes Adrian Brody, or that it's finally been made clear that all the films are intended to run together? There's nothing in the films any more that can be separated from one another, and maybe that's a good thing - aren't Nobel prizes granted for a cohesive body of work, rather than a single masterpiece? Non sequitar dialogue, non sequitar scenery, the trademark drift around the location, and the subtle (but hilarious) sight gags - in this one, our protagonists inexplicably buy a cobra at market. This one has the heavily mustachioed Jason Schwartzman, an actor I don't know but have enjoyed in this film; he also helped to write the screenplay, indicating that he's entered the troupe (maybe he's been in it for a while and I'm only noticing now...). Flashback scenes where he is clean shaven are interesting for contrast, as is the "play before the movie" sequence with him and Nathalie Portman, playing a slutty something-or-other. The film strikes me as one of the more enjoyable Wes Anderson movies. I like it. Bill Murray's small, subtle role is great (some may consider it a mere sight gag), as is the Indian setting, as are the train staff, as are the villagers, as is the tiger. Go, tiger, go.

Bottle Rocket
$9.95
I was one of the few who saw this in the theater, and it was a memorable evening. Offbeat, witty, and a skilled walk in that lovable loser parade that was, and is, difficult to pull off. Or so I recalled.

The reality was somewhat less. (I'm afraid to watch Rushmore again--it lives in my Top 10 comedy list.) The flaws were certainly there, and they made me cringe far too many times. Is it the 13 years older I am? Can't be sure, but as many other 3 star reviewers say, this was a dress rehearsal of better things to come, with many fine touches. But it eventually left me cold; Dignan was a massively unpleasant guy, and why he would command anyone's loyalty is beyond me. Everyone in this film was just a little too dim to make me want to watch.

Glad I bought this rather than the Criterion disc!

Bottle Rocket - Criterion Collection
$39.95
Bottle Rocket - Criterion Collection
This is a must-have for all indie film lovers! This is a beautiful and masterfully written story, a brilliant start for both Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson. As his first acting role, I feel like Owen Wilson was more genuine and close to this character than he ever has been. There is a lot of Dignan in Owen, and a lot of Owen in Dignan. He's charming and such a wonderful and lovable character, in a kind of "lost puppydog" way. The story is truly unique with a cast full of wonderful characters and unforgettable scenery and situations that will have you laughing until you are in tears. It's easy to get lost in the world of Bottle Rocket, and the Criterion Collection is just another great way to do that. This is a must-have for any collection, and especially for Owen Wilson fans that want to see how it all started!

Blueraine // Owenation

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Criterion Collection
$19.99
very typical wes anderson... multi level scenes with very subtle humor/jokes that carry throughout the film.
great movie - didn't really do it for me at first, i have come around.