Anderson is rightfully recognized as an auteur and his style in this film is instantly recognizable if you've had the chance to watch any of his previous films. He also revisits very familiar themes - particularly familial issues and relationships - failed ones, new ones, renewing old ones. While clearly hitting some potentially very painful edges - for the characters - or the viewers - he's able to bring his characters to address them appropriately (for the most part) - and without the use of too much deus ex machina (also for the most part).
Sam the orphan Khaki Scout goes AWOL from his troop to run away with Suzy, the lonely, misunderstood daughter of two bickering lawyers (Frances McDormand and Bill Murray). Enlisted in the search to find the two of them are the mismatched remainder of Sam's troop, his scout leader (Edward Norton), the local police officer (Bruce Willis) and Social Services (Tilda Swinton) - right as a massive storm is about to break out - as narrated by Bob Balaban.
It's an entertaining period piece (set in a very identifiable 1965) with a stack of interestingly drawn and acted characters - but it's worth noting that even with the stack of big names....the entire piece rests on the shoulders of two brand new young actors - Jared Gilman as Sam and Kara Hayward as Suzy. Their performances really drive the young love theme much better than seeing any familiar faces in the roles - particularly with the stilted...if age-appropriate dialog.
Basically though - this movie is about the innocence of young life and young love - without any real per-determined conceptions from the outside world or life in general....really hitting on the unrestrained, unconventional (though it may seem to the outside world) joy of youth. And I can't get enough of it.
No issues with the standard Blu-Ray release at all (although I imagine it will get the inevitable upgrade to Criterion Collection in a year or so....hopefully including a director commentary).
Highly recommended.
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