I desperately want to like Anderson's filmography, but movies like this make it increasingly difficult. It's flashy and colorful, sure, but exclusively in the visual sense. The characters are lacking in every department, the acting is passable, and the movie itself lacks any sort of depth or character. The plot trudges along over its two-hour run-time with no direction or destination in mind. The man singing Bowie in Portuguese, I believe, was a nice touch. Overall, it's a weak, yet visually striking and unique movie abundant in overqualified actors as underdeveloped characters shuffling along an underwhelming plot.

Short and Simple Review by WubsTheFadgerFirst off, Wes Anderson has once again created a quirky, colorful, and touching film. The story is at times extremely hilarious and very touching. The ending is heartfelt and feel good. The plot is easy to follow and all the characters are easily distinguishable from each other because of their vibrant personalities.The acting is great. Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Willem Defoe, and Jeff Goldblum steal the show. They are all hilarious and add so much to the story. Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, Michael Gambon, Noah Taylor, Bud Cort, Seu Jorge, Robyn Cohen, Waris Ahluwalia, Matthew Gray Gubler, and Seymour Cassel all player various crew members that are memorable and funny.The pacing is a little slow and the runtime is very overlong. Also, the CGI is a little weird.The crew are the best part of the film because they are all unique and very funny in their own way. The orange hat and blue speedo are legendary.Pros: Hilarious and touching story, great characters, good acting, the crew, and the legendary hat and blue speedoCons: Some weird CGI, slow pacing, and an overlong runtimeOverall Rating: 7.2

If you view this movie after reading Slaughterhouse 5, it makes sense. Steve Zissou is suffering from a PTSD episode from the death of his friend due to a shark attack. (As to Slaughterhouse 5, don't watch the movie, read the book.) As Steve travels through his life he encounters parts he regrets. Steve Zissou drives away the pirates using a Glock and more bullets than can be counted. His crew is able to overcome an entrenched group of pirates with guns. His academic enemy is wounded in the fire fight, appears to be dead and then is up and walking around. The son he never had shows up magically wearing weird clothing. He is able to put all of the interns, dead people into a magic submarine and find the magical killer shark, but not destroy it. Sounds like a PTSD fantasy to me.

I cannot believe I allowed this comedy gem to slip through to the catcher without even a bunt attempt from good ol' Jerry. Arguably one of Bill Murray's greatest performances and certainly his best since he entered the "bored Bill" stage of his career. The cast is stellar and the performances are top shelf (in particular Willem Dafoe who steals every single scene he is in). I loved it so much I watch it twice back to back. So many stand out moments of hilarity, but my favorite are the subtle ones: Steve Zissou showcasing the mikes in their diving helmets and the little dance he does when the music starts. Steve Zissou - the nature-loving documentary star - flicking the cute little gecko from his hand like it was a used cigarette butt. Jeff Goldblum "I fold" *takes pistol shot in the gut* Dafoe's perfect acting during the "step over the line if you want to leave the ship" scene. Goldblum whacking the three-legged dog Zissou had just named Cody. One of the most re-watchable comedy films ever made. Jerry approved