1992

A deep-sea filmmaker hunts a shark that sounds made up.

2.5/4 (Okay)

I last saw it when it first came out, and I really hoped I would like it better this time around, with lowered expectations. It has so many elements that I like - the design, the soundtrack, the cast, the whimsey - but the story and characters just don't work. ( )

Definitely cosy and frequently quite funny, but feels meandering at times (especially in the first 50 minutes or so) and is definitely lacking the drive of Anderson's later films, which kept the story from properly sucking us in. Uncertain if I'll ever want to rewatch it. I did find myself caring unexpectedly much about the central father-son(-ish) relationship, though, which is what maybe edges this up to 3 stars. ( )

A great movie. The characters are honest in a deadpan way that would never occur in real life. This is probably the most essential feature of Wes Anderson films. ( )

Internationally famous oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) and his crew, Team Zissou, set sail on an expedition to hunt down the mysterious, elusive, possibly nonexistent Jaguar Shark that killed Zissou’s partner during the documentary filming of their latest adventure. They are joined on their voyage by a young airline copilot (Owen Wilson), a pregnant journalist (Cate Blanchett), and Zissou’s estranged wife (Anjelica Huston). Wes Anderson has assembled an all-star cast that also includes Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Gambon, Noah Taylor, Seu Jorge, and Bud Cort for this wildly original adventure-comedy. (source: The Criterion Collection)