Alexandra Tyler

It pains me to write this as I’m a huge fan of Wes Anderson. His visual sensibility and quirky stories filled with wonderful characters are among my favorites. This film is not that. The premise is terrific and I was SO excited but it felt like an overindulgent romp…. the stories were confusing and the pacing was weird. Painfully slow and confounding and then quick fast bits where he seemed determined to add in every famous actor he has ever worked with. Yet they weren’t clever cameos. I couldn’t tell you a single character’s name. The talent in this film is undeniable…. but it also felt wasted. Especially the wonderful Bill Murray. I wanted him to be the glue that held these stories together. And yet he was reduced to barely any screen time and mediocre dialogue that didn’t let him shine. Visually there are many stunning bits. Especially in the beginning. But it’s not his best. And it definitely doesn’t feel like “a love letter to journalism” as it’s being pitched. Man. I hate that this is the review I’m writing but it was disappointing. It feels like Wes needs an honest friend to give him a little tough love. Even a genius isn’t infallible. Sigh.