As mentioned in my Q1 2024 update I was not a fan of Asteroid City. I was lukewarm on The French Dispatch as well so I was starting to think his work just wasn’t for me anymore (which is totally fine!). I’m a huge fan of Wes Anderson. Particularly The Royal Tennanabaums, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and The Darjeeling Limited.

Every project has the potential of greatness. His latest movie The Phoenician Scheme I think achieves this. It combines his fascination with miniatures and over-the-top sets with genuine funny dialog from his earlier work. Where his recent work felt soulless, there was heart here. This is clearly an “action movie” by Wes’ standards and the lighting and production were exceptional. Michael Cera also shines in this with the most bizarrely charming accent.

Two thumbs up!