Skip to main content

New Release Birb: Isle of Dogs

Isle of Dogs
Voiced By: Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Greta Gerwig, and many, many, MANY others
Co-Written and Directed by Wes Anderson
US Release Date: March 23rd, 2018
My First Viewing: March 31st, 2018

 Wes Anderson goes back to animation for the first time since 2009's Fantastic Mr. Fox with his first feature film since 2014's Grand Budapest Hotel with Isle of Dogs. 

 Set in a not-to-distant future in the fictional Japanese city of Megasaki, Mayor Kobayashi of the cat-loving Kobayashi tribe has ruled dogs to be excommunicated to Trash Island due to Snout Fever. The first dog sent to Trash Island is the security dog of his adopted son and ward Atari. Flash forward to Trash Island being overrun with dogs, where a group of five the rule the roost (voiced by Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray, and Jeff Goldblum). Atari makes his way to Trash Island VIA a stolen plane, and, with the help of the pack of five, look for his lost dog Spots (Liev Schreiber). 

 There is a lot that goes into making this movie and Anderson makes sure that every single detail, down to the multiple animation styles and every flea on the dog's fur, is apparent. The voice cast is prolific, much like the casts of most Anderson films, and the script is crisp, making for a fun ride. Being both in Japanese and English, they made the conscious and inspiring decision to translate or subtitle only what's critical to the events of the film. 

 Some of my favorite characters come from the supporting cast, such as Scarlett Johansson's Nutmeg the former show dog, Frances McDormand as the Japanese interpreter, and Tilda Swinton as the clairvoyant pug Oracle. 

 This may go over the head's of younger kids if you decide to bring your child to this film. Some of the subject matter it deals with include the loss of a loved one and political gamesmanship. However, if you bring your kids just because they want to see the cute dogs on screen, there is nothing overtly offensive in this movie despite its PG-13 rating. With that being said, this is another notch in the cap for Anderson, and one that anyone can enjoy, even if you don't particularly like Anderson's typical quirky style. 

Isle of Dogs is rated PG-13 for thematic images and violent images? What are your thoughts? Follow me on twitter here or at my Facebook page here and leave a comment. If you like the blog, check out my previous posts and check out my Patreon. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Release Birb- A Fantastic Woman

A Fantastic Woman (Una Mujer Fantástica) Starring: Daniela Vega and Francisco Reyes Directed By Sebastián Lelio US Release Date: November 17, 2017 My First Viewing: March 2, 2018 A nominee for Best Foreign Language Film at the 90th Academy Awards, A Fantastic Woman stars Daniela Vega as Marina, a woman who is dealing with grief and the prejudice of those around her life after the death of her older partner.  This is a beautiful movie that is carried by Vega. She makes this movie so profoundly powerful that you feel with her through her journey, even if this is not something a lot of people can directly relate to. Marina has a difficult enough time in her life dealing with the death of her partner Orlando (Francisco Reyes), but with this being a relationship with a much older man and a trans woman, there are added layers. Between the police, doctors, and Orlando's family, Marina has a lot to deal with, but she is strong and isn't afraid to fight for what she believes ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Best Picture Birb- Darkest Hour

Darkest Hour Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, and Kristin Scott Thomas Directed By Joe Wright US Release Date: November 22nd, 2017 Most Recent Viewing: March 3rd, 2018 Image Credit: movieposter.com Nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Actor (Gary Oldman) and Best Picture, Joe Wright's Darkest Hour follows the days after Winston Churchill became Prime Minister amidst the pressure of Hitler's advance France and Great Britain during World War II. This is a good movie that is elevated to a great one on the back of Oldman's performance of Churchill. He is unrecognizable in the role, which takes talent. When actors play historical figures, it appears as the actor playing the figure. That is not the case here. From the first time you see him on screen, you see Churchill, not Oldman.  The cinematography, score, and costume design also add to the appeal of the film. Joe Wright has a knack for long shots and interesting camera work, and you feel a real ten...
Post a Comment
Read more

New Release Birb: I, Tonya

I, Tonya Starring: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, and Allison Janney Directed By: Craig Gillespie US Release Date: December 8th, 2017 My First Viewing: September 16th, 2017 Image Credit: Movieposters.com Underneath the surface of the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story lies the movie I, Tonya. Harding, played by McKenna Grace (child) and Margot Robbie (age 15 and older), is one of many unreliable narrators in this saga of wanting to be perfect at something because that is all you know, and it is a release from her everyday life.  Shown in a pseudo-documentary interview style, we see the story of Harding, the abuse she had to deal with, whether it be more mental from her mother (Allison Janney), which turned into psychical once she began dating, and marrying, Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan). All three can not be trusted as to whether or not their side of the story is the truth, which makes this film all the more compelling. Even though you think you know how Harding's story...
Post a Comment
Read more