Asteroid City

9/10

During the 1950's or 60's, a group of people assemble at the titular Asteroid City, a very small desert tourist trap with a motel out in the middle of nowhere, for the Junior Stargazer convention. Soon everyone is affected by a strange change in events.

Wes Anderson is known for utilizing the same distinct style in all his films. (This movie in particular recycles his "precocious kids" dialogue from Moonrise Kingdom.) But, he's never gotten old for me, because the plots for his story are always different enough. This is no exception. Asteroid City is a very interesting film complete with a wide cast of striking characters , solid jokes (i laughed thrice, which doesn't sound a lot for some but for me it's a lot), and an intelligent script that hides beneath the humorous moments drama and an analysis of the human condition. 

The trailer for this is surprisingly deceptive. There's a lot more to the movie than meets the eye. Asteroid City is probably Anderson's most artsy and philosophical film and that's saying something. A person in the theater said "I don't know what it means, but I loved it." That's a pretty good summation. I wouldn't say you won't understand any of it, but it is a movie that requires interpretation, and there's enough witty dialogue that you won't be drowning in it anyway. The movie's weird but in a fun way.  

Like the majority of Anderson's movies, this is a visual smorgasboard. The cinematography and color scheme is made to make this look like a technicolor movie, maybe one of the best uses of color in film this year. I loved the orange-ish look of the desert. The sets have that unique retro feel Anderson brings. I also loved the look of the desert rocks. Asteroid City takes place in the U.S.A., but the location feels a little alien.

Anderson has a wonderful cast that's a who's who of acting including some of his regular players. Some of the new faces who he's never used before are Scarlett Johanson, Tom Hanks, and Steve Carrel, all of whom are obvious choices for this type of movie. Carrel in particular does a great job as the always civil and courteous motel owner. A face I wouldn't expect in this is Liev Schreiber as a parent of one of the Junior Stargazers. He doesn't usually get cast in stuff like this, making this a nice change of pace. Crash's Matt Dillon is also in this. He's only got one important scene, but he has such excellent delivery. 

Highly recommend. The story may frustrate some, but it's such an enjoyable ride. This may be my favorite of Anderson's works after Grand Budapest Hotel.