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Asteroid City review: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ : Wes Anderson is one of the most innovative filmmakers of our time. While his sense of storytelling may not be for everyone, the star-studded cast and deadpan humor really make every movie he does stand out. And Asteroid City is no different. With a peculiar conflict, the film speeds along a relentless pace to give a glimpse into the lives of storytellers, telling a story. Read on for our Asteroid City review.
Warning: this Asteroid City review will feature some minor spoilers.
Asteroid City Review Has To Distinguish Between Its Meta Story
The main story of Asteroid City takes some getting used to. The events we see play out in a fictional, titular town of Asteroid City, are actually those of a play. The story then pans out to show audiences how the play itself, came about, by focusing on its writer Conrad (Edward Norton). And the story of the playwright and cast is narrated by the narrator (Bryan Cranston).
So in many ways. Asteroid City is like the story of how a storyteller wrote a play, and then the story of the play itself. It’s confusing, but the movie lays it out simplistically enough through the scenes so that it doesn’t hinder the enjoyment of the movie. Anderson also employs black and white cinematography for the meta moments of the making of the play, whereas the events of the play are in vibrant color. Which makes audiences further distinguish between the play’s story and the making of the play.
Asteroid City Is Neither Sci-Fi Nor Comedy
The story of the play itself is that of a group of travelers, who find themselves in quarantine in a small city, after an alien encounter. The group ranges from a newly widowed father and his 4 children dealing with the loss of their mother. A wannabe actress (Scarlett Johansson) and her super smart daughter. A school teacher (Maya Hawke) is on a field trip with her class. Some random cowboys. Not to mention the quirky military officer (Jeffrey Wright) gathered for an award ceremony celebrating some young geniuses.
While the movie has some moments of serious drama and emotions, by and large, Asteroid City is a quirky comedy that goes to some weird places. The alien encounter twist is absolutely hilarious, especially how underwhelming it seems for the participants of the encounter. Deadpan comedy is a signature style of Wes Anderson’s films. And Asteroid City is all about the outrageous situations portrayed through dry and witty deliveries that make the situations that much more comedic.
This Asteroid City Review Has Some Spoilers
While it’s difficult to spoil the movie in this Asteroid City review, we will try to avoid them as much as possible. The movie itself is really more of an experience rather than any blatant twists and turns. The quirky and odd story is supported by its massive star cast of amazing talent. Playing the widowed father is Jason Schwartzman, who struggles to deal with his wife’s death. But also a chance meeting with another parent played by Scarlett Johansson creates a possible love connection. Schwartzman is great in his disconnected sadness.
Whereas Johansson adds a much-needed dramatic performance to the film. Johansson’s performance of a mother more preoccupied with her career and fame is brilliant. Although I wish we got more of her, in the shuffle of the large cast, I feel we didn’t get enough Johansson.
Rounding out the cast is Tom Hanks as a dutiful grandfather who is trying to be there for his family, after losing his daughter. Jeffrey Wright as the general dealing with the quarantine after the Alien encounter is hilarious, as he tries to play by the rules in a crazy situation. Bryan Cranston’s narrator has the best moment in the movie, as he forgets the story he is narrating and shows up in the play itself.
The Verdict- A Wonderful Movie That Is A Super Quick Watch
While Asteroid City does have some issues, when it comes to its pacing and some plot points, it’s a very quick watch. The pacing is terrific and the story moves along in a way that the small quibbles remain just that, minor issues that don’t take away from the enjoyment of the movie itself.
It’s worth watching to see another Wes Anderson movie in his signature quirky style, with brilliant visuals and an ensemble cast that does not disappoint.
What did you think of Asteroid City? Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter (X) at @theshahshahid.
Rating: 3/5 stars
