Wes Anderson’s most recent film was the excellent “Moonrise Kingdom“. Not as funny as the Darjeeling Limited, nor is it an instant classic like The Royal Tenenbaums, Moonrise Kingdom is a highly enjoyable film that is filled with the trademark quirkiness we have come to expect from Wes Anderson.

Firstly, the writing is sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel. The dialogue flows extraordinarily and there isn’t one second where we believe these words are pre-written – the truly seem like the character’s thoughts.

Secondly, the casting was superb. It was actually the best aspect of the film. We have our Anderson Players – Bill Murray, Bob Balaban, Jason Schwartzman. Add to them action star Bruce Willis as a misunderstood policeman, Edward Norton as a sweet scout leader, Frances McDormand as an adulterous lawyer and a duo of the most natural child actors and you have a winning cast. The small parts from Harvey Keitel and Tilda Swinton were pleasant surprises.

Moonrise Kingdom is a monumental effort from Wes Anderson. It is beautifully filmed, the sets are so detailed and precise. Describing the cinematography as brilliant is very understated.

When it comes to choosing the best film of 2012, I was extremely tempted to give the title to Django Unchained, but the Moonrise Kingdom is just too sweet and well-made not to be called the best film of 2012.