Rushmore - Criterion Collection

Rating:
Summary: Quirky, Hysterical and Eccentric
Review: This movie has excellent writing and pretty good acting. I absolutely love Bill Murray. There are several times during this movie when he does little things that just add to the whole flavor and feel of the movie like the one time when he is talking to the teacher and rather then walk away runs away like he was a secret agent. That just further adds to the eccentricity and quirkiness that makes this such a great movie. Some of the sound bites and just zaniness that goes on in this movie are great. Moreover this is a very intelligent movie and much better than a lot of the comedies that have come out recently. Overall this is a must see.

Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece, A Superb Film
Review: Rushmore, with its offbeat humor and a superb cast, is an excellent film. It is a much needed departure from the mainstream comedies being pumped out by the studios today, and writer/director Wes Anderson pulls it off. Rushmore is richly detailed with little quirks that forces the viewer to watch attentively. But unfortunately, this classic is lost on many people weaned on comedies like "American Pie" and "Dumb and Dumber" with their base, unintelligent humor. Rushmore rises above that level and succeeds.

Rating:
Summary: Patented Wes Anderson
Review: You folks giving this movie one-star -- what, do you need your movies spoon-fed to you in sweet, predictable dosages? This film isn't perfect, but it's very human, poignant, and well-acted, especially by Bill Murray and Olivia Williams. Also, a great use of music. It's sad when people can't seem to find humor in situations and settings, or appreciate the craft that goes into a film, but guffaw at Ace Ventura talking out of his rear end. Personally, I found "Rushmore" a little disappointing in comparison to Anderson's previous film, "Bottle Rocket." Now THAT is a classic. See it!

Rating:
Summary: Sublime depiction of unconventional relationships...........
Review: The majority of RUSHMORE's detractors unanimously complained about the film's lack of a properly structured 'narrative' and the distinct absence of sufficient characterisation. After watching this special Criterion edition, I've arrived at the conclusion that director Wes Anderson relegated the narrative aspect and placed emphasis on SUBTLE character development. The actual story itself is extremely simplistic and basically revolves around the overly-ambitious exploits of a delusional teenager, Max Fischer, and the dramatic influence he exerts on the lives of those he associates with, particularly the teacher Miss Cross and self-loathing capitalist Herbert Bloom. Their affiliation and mutual revere for Rushmore academy was the determining factor that established their relationships. Max is hopelessly infactuated with Miss Cross and becomes increasingly frustrated by the lack of reciprocation on her behalf. Mr Bloom is the epitome of self-made prosperity yet his life is emotionally vapid. He is completely detached from his surroundings and abhors the complacency exhibited by his children. Max represents to Bloom everything that he wished his kids would be: ambitious, bold, enthusiastic and intelligent. However, the special relationships that Max has developed with these individuals are threatened when Bloom and Cross start dating. As a direct result, Max is consumed by jealousy and the relationships begin to disintergrate. I'd love to continue but unfortunetly I wouldn't be able to without revealing any key plot developments. However, it must be acknowledged that the performances by the three main actors are completely brilliant. Bill Murray's hilariously deadpan potrayal of a lonely man is easily one of his best. Jason Schwartzman, in his acting debut, is utterly convincing as the geeky overachiever Max Fisher. Olivia Williams provides the viewer with an emotional potrayal of a complex woman unable to release herself from the past. Let's not forget the director! Wes Anderson manages to strike a near-perfect balance of idiosyncratic comedy, poignant drama and theatrical gestures. The colour schemes utilized throughout the duration of the film are particularly noteworthy. They consist mainly of bold primary colours and have an almost Baroque quality that perfectly compliments the eccentric tone of the film. In light of the above, I'm perplexed as to why many have dismissed RUSHMORE as a 'lame attempt at comedy'. The combination of dramatic pauses, pre-planned shot compositions and humour is enough to convince me that Wes Anderson had MUCH HIGHER aspirations. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: This film will gag a maggot.
Review: Two thumbs up for Bill Murray, but two big toes for Jason Schwartzman, Talia (Adrianne!) Shire's goofy son and wanna-be-actor. One thing Schwartzman did for me in this film, is warn me that whatever he appears in will be 100% box office poison.

Rating:
Summary: Best Comedy Of The 90's
Review: Simply put: Brilliant! A wonderful and interesting screenplay and superb acting are complimented by a great score and soundtrack. Wes Anderson has created a world where children act as adults and adults act as children, with sublimely funny results! Although this is a comedy, it takes on such issues as love, obsession, jealousy, friendship, grief, and control of one's own life. See this film, and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Fine film
Review: The acting, writing, direction, cinematography, and production work in this film are all excellent. The story is very good, the main character is superbly rendered and extremely entertaining to watch. I found myself saying 'OK, that was the best scene in the movie' to myself again and again. I liked it very much - a must see.

Rating:
Summary: What a waste of Bill Murray
Review: I can't believe the number of people who think this movie was good. I think they read the press too much who said it was a "smart" comedy. Well, if smart means dull, then yeah, it was a smart comedy. Someone actually compared this to Ferris Bueller. Not a chance. Buy Ferris and actually laugh.

Rating:
Summary: A Unique Film
Review: This movie is quite odd in that what at first seems to be a modest piece of independent film-making blooms into cinematic cathartic genius. I am not sure any other film has tackled real-life dilemnas of maturation and loss with such unerring insight while simultaneously making the viewer laugh through the awkwardness and humiliation(maybe 'The Graduate'). The film's real triumph lies in the fact the characters all grow up in subtle yet profound ways right before one's eyes. These characters are likable though far from perfect. As a result, when the characters make personal discoveries about life and what it means to grow into an individual who can find some happiness in this rocky world, we all learn a little something and share a little of the heartening joy. Humility,passion,the ability to lose with grace and yet continue to strive for glory,the value of adventure and experimentation, and ,perhaps most important of all, the ability to forgive--these are all central themes in this wonderful film. Perfect in its dorky exuberance, this film will not fade over time.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Moviemaking
Review: Had I known this movie was such a trear-jerker, I'd have brought a tissue to wipe my eyes. Instead, there were tears in my eyes so often, I had to see the movie on the big screen again, just to make sure I didn't miss any classic scenes. Of course my tears had nothing to do with sadness. I can guarantee I've never laughed so hard in public as I did at Rushmore. It's not only one of the most tightly written comedies I've ever seen, but the acting was fantastic. I don't see Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman and Olivia Williams -- I can only remember Harold Blume, Max Fisher and Miss Cross. And, of course, the nurse guy. And Margaret Yang. And Blume's kids and a whole host of other richly drawn characters who work perfectly together to make what should be a pretty sad story about a pretty sorry kid one of the funniest films of all time. What's the secret? Find something you love and do it for the rest of your life. For Max, it's Rushmore, for me it'll be watching this movie.