A second chance thanks to the second-run theater in Northwest Austin! Some days I wonder why the joint carries “high brow” flicks like Isle, The Death of Stalin or The Founder. I don’t think about it too hard since I’m saving a few bucks.
Isle of Dogs is another animated feature from Wes Anderson. I’ve never seen Fantastic Mr Fox so I wasn’t sure of what to expect beyond the voices coming from actors he usually employs: Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum and Edward Norton. Now, I think I need to see Fox because Isle was well done and very intriguing. The pace may be too slow for smaller children yet I liked how the story was broken down into acts.
The premise was explained in the trailers; in the near future, a Japanese city outlaws dogs and has them exiled to the same island the residents dispose their trash to; their main reason is an outburst of dog flu and the majority comply. Six months later, a young boy flies to the island to find his beloved pet and since most of the dogs are domesticated, they help. Meanwhile, back in the city, a minority of scientists and pro-dog activists fight to have the decree overturned because a cure has been found. An exchange student from America also claims it was a conspiracy all along.
Compared to all the other crap Dreamworks mostly produces for child consumption, Isle of Dogs is a welcome respite in animation/stop-motion until Pixar releases something good again.