Asteroid City
Asteroid City
Asteroid City: a fictional American desert town, circa 1955. Junior Stargazers and Space Cadets from across the country assemble for the annual Asteroid Day celebration but the scholarly competition is spectacularly upended by world-changing events. Equal parts comedy, drama, and romance. Directed by Wes Anderson and featuring an all-star cast including Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, and Tom Hanks.
Kevin Ward reviewedJuly 2, 2025
I think I’m just out on Wes Anderson. Obviously, the production design, shot framing and score are all immaculate. And there are a few bits that were genuinely funny. Overall, though, Anderson’s films are beginning to feel like a parody of themselves. Wes Anderson parodies are already so prevalent now, though, particularly with the explosion of ai generated content. When I watch anything that mimics Anderson’s signature style, I inevitably feel a certain soulless quality, even when it’s Anderson himself at the helm. With few exceptions, the ensemble cast (incredible as it is) are clearly all stepping into a “Wes Anderson film” and performing as such and it all feels, literally, very one note. Sign me up for when Anderson steps out of this meticulously crafted corner he has painted himself into.