The Life Aquatic

Been meaning to see this for a while, but had to coordinate with my friend Matt, as big a Wes Anderson fan as I am. Thorougly enjoyed it. I guess some reviewers didn't warm up to Bill Murray's prick character, and we both agreed Luke Wilson might have been better in Owen's role, but no real complaints. Not riotously funny, but amusing throughout, and I just like Anderson's rhythms and quirks, and frankly, I can watch Murray do anything, or nothing. This was a good role for him, and he was very controlled and contained, and the storylines were pruned down and focused compared to The Royal Tenenbaums. The constant use of Portuguese covers of Bowie songs was fine, as the actor had a nice voice, but the film lacked the surprise and impact that other Anderson films have gotten from a well-chosen song for a given scene, with the exceptions of some cheesy Casio tracks for the film-within-a-film's soundtrack, and the rousing first pirate battle. Yes, pirate battle. The CGI underwater creatures created by Henry (Nightmare Before Christmas) Selick were a little goofy but charming. Seymour Cassel barely makes a cameo, and Anjelica Huston is a bit underused as well, but Willem Defoe steals the show as Klaus. One could take issue with this being the second film in a row by Anderson with fathers and sons as the theme, but not me. I think that's the theme of almost every story written by men. But then, I've got some issues.