Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom is a children's pop-up book come to life.This deftly told romance story hides several layers of intrigue behind every character, and nothing is quite as it seems.

The film, scripted by Anderson and Roman Coppola, explores childhood romance and feelings through whimsical artistic direction and deadpan dialogue. Everything is a discovery, from the moment Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton) realizes one of his scouts went AWOL to the budding relationship between Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward). You'll find yourself laughing at several awkward moments, as foster parents politely tell a scoutmaster that he can keep their child, or when a group of scouts prepares to arrest their runaway troop member.

It's like watching the panels of a storybook, except the children have adult sensibilities. The adults are presented through the lens of a child. They are dismissive of Sam and Suzy's relationship and blind to its complexities. Coincidentally, the adults react to their own problems more like children. Suzy's beloved fantasy books mirror the staccato pace of each scene, giving viewers a film that is truly unique.

In Moonrise Kingdom, Character Approved Wes Anderson has created a film with an original voice and style. It's part romance and part dark comedy, but it's nothing like a traditional romcom. This delightful tale is one of Anderson's best.

[Image: IMDB]