The Life Aquatic

A really good movie with Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and Cate Blanchett. Its a lot like the directors (Wes Anderson) other films in terms of the conflicts presented in the film. As in his other films (Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, and the Royal Tenenbaums) there is a conflict between father and son figures. Although, in this film the audience is not sure if the son really is Steve Zissou's son but in the end I guess it really doesnt matter. The film takes place in an ocean theme following a crew of underwater explorers/documentary film makers, much like Jacques Cousteau. The crew has a lot of wacky characters like Klaus the German, played by Willem Dafoe, who sees Zissou as a father figure and is jealous of Zissou's newly discovered son. Team Zissou is past its prime and hasn™t had a good documentary hit in a long time and their equipment and morale show it. Then while making a documentary Zissous partner is eaten by a giant shark whose species is unknown. Zissou and his crew along with some new members to the team and some unpaid college interns set off to capture the shark on film and in Zissous words, "I™m going to fight it, but let it live, now where my dynamite?" The films underwater creatures are beautifully brought to life by stop motion animation. They also have some incredible cut away boat scenes in which they constucted a set the length of a city block. There is a lot of funny stuff and beautiful scenery on top of the great acting. Everyone gets their own glocks, except the interns they have to share one between them, and the fight with the Philippine pirates is unforgettable. Also they have some good music sung in Portuguese like Rock N Roll Suicide along side David bowies, Queen Bitch. Overall its very funny, has great quotes, and is visually captivating. If you really dont like Wes Anderson this movie might be a drag for you but I thought it was great and Bill Murray played his part perfectly as usual.