Archives for July 5, 2023

Asteroid City * Wes Anderson’s Unique Style Is All Over This Film

Asteroid City takes place in a fictional American desert town circa 1955. Following a writer on his world famous fictional play about a grieving father who travels with his tech-obsessed family to small rural Asteroid City to compete in a junior stargazing event, only to have his world view disrupted forever. Director Wes Anderson brings another all-star cast to this striking, imaginary world.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, “Wes Anderson’s unique style is all over the film Asteroid City. While watching it, I vacillated between being confused with the storyline and captivated by the eye-candy cinematography. I love the coloring of this film, and like Asteroid City as a whole but, despite the amazing cast and fascinating moments, the film left me blank.” See her full review below.

Asteroid City

By Zoe C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic age 14

Wes Anderson’s unique style is all over the film Asteroid City. While watching it, I vacillated between being confused with the storyline and captivated by the eye-candy cinematography. I love the coloring of this film, and like Asteroid City as a whole but, despite the amazing cast and fascinating moments, the film left me blank.

The story starts showing a dad, Augie Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman) with his three daughters and one son, visiting Asteroid City’s western meteor crash site hosting a sort of “space camp.” The family is attending a science competition. While there, an alien visits everyone attending the science competition. This extreme world-changing event causes Augie, his family and everyone else at the competition to quarantine, leaving them stuck.

I really like the style of this film, the cinematography and set designs. The film takes place in 1955 and really embodies this time era. The bright colors of Asteroid City are mesmerizing but become overwhelming at times. Throughout the film, there are cuts in the storyline that make it confusing. It seems that Wes Anderson tries to tell the author’s story while telling the story of Asteroid City at the same time. I like the storyline, although the multi-narrative detracts from the story itself and makes it difficult to understand where the story is going. The ending does piece together the straggling parts and everything becomes a lot clearer. After the first hour there is a turning point where I could better understand what was going on. I love the cast! I am a huge fan of Maya Hawke who plays a teacher named June. I love Maya’s ability to be so in touch with the roles she plays and I really love her performance in this film. Scarlett Johansson also delivers a great performance as the character, Midge who is an actress in the film. Both Jake Ryan as Woodrow Steenbeck and Jason Schwartzman as Augie Steenbeck nail their performances — their characters are surprisingly very alike, both having awkward, yet interesting personalities. There are so many other incredible actors in this film like Tom Hanks who plays the grandfather of the three girls and their brother. I love the performance of the three young daughters — they are so funny and adorable.

The film’s message is about scientists and artists finding a common place and longing to connect. Be aware that there is brief nudity, smoking and suggestive material.

I give Asteroid City 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults.

Asteroid City releases in theaters June 23, 2023.

Trailer:

Venus, July 6th Pet of the Week

Venus has, shall we say, a disarming facial expression! She’s as delightful as she looks! This 3-year-old Siberian husky is the last of her siblings at the shelter, and if someone comes in who’s knowledgeable about this breed, Venus will shower them with affection and transfix them with her piercing blue eyes. Whether it’s romping about the great outdoors or cozying up for snuggle sessions, Venus will fill your life with everything you didn’t know was missing. You can speed the process to adopt or foster Venus and any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Even better, stop by during our walk-in hours every Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Our shelter is located at 7700 E. Spring St. Ask for ID# A694824 to meet Venus. We’re over capacity, and everyone needs homes!