Asteroid City
Directed by Wes AndersonAsteroid 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.
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Asteroid City Ratings & Reviews
- M08YMay 31, 2025Either I don't get it, or it isnt very good. All of the usual Wes Anderson-isms are present and correct. The cast is fantastic, the set design is excellent and the cinematography is nice and quirky. However it falls apart when you actually try to piece together what you are seeing.
- Kevin WardJuly 2, 2025I 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.
- James SaenzJune 13, 2025“you can’t wake up if you don’t fall asleep.” existentialism and grief orbiting each other, unable to confront one another or themselves. a gradual loss of autonomy as both the narrative and its creation unravel. how do you reconcile the story and its themes when the words keeping escaping your fingers, bleeding ink into paper without your control and when you don’t understand it? how can your actors understand it? why does june feebly attempt to stick to the lesson plan? why do mercedes and her character midge run away from the beginnings of things? why does augie burn his hand on the quickie griddle? these are problems the cast and characters of the stage play of asteroid city have never seen before. it’s the chaos of creation and destruction and our desperate attempts at making sense of it. the story of the universe is written in innumerable riddles across myriad stars; the story of the art we create is much the same, and even if we don’t quite grasp it, we’re compelled to make it. there’s purpose in it, as opaque as it may seem. we just keep telling the story.
- jackmeatJanuary 11, 2025My quick rating - 6.2/10. Wes Anderson’s latest flick is an unmistakable product of his singular vision, blending meticulous craftsmanship with his trademark whimsy. Set in a 1955 American desert town, the story follows a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention disrupted by world-changing events. This premise sets the stage for Anderson’s signature blend of quirky humor, visual spectacle, and narrative eccentricity. The cast is nothing short of exceptional, featuring heavyweights like Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, and Edward Norton to just name a few! At least ten members of the ensemble could lead their own films, making for a densely packed showcase of talent. While their performances are solid, the sheer volume of characters occasionally feels overwhelming, with some left underutilized amidst the chaos. As expected from Anderson, the visuals are breathtaking. The pastel color palette, symmetrical compositions, and meticulous set designs are a feast for the eyes, transforming the film into a living piece of art. The aesthetic is so captivating that even those who find the story lacking might be drawn in by its visual charm. Narratively, the film unfolds as a meta-melodrama—a play within a film—adding layers of storytelling that invite deeper interpretation. This approach highlights Anderson’s knack for blending art with entertainment, though it risks alienating newcomers to his work. Hardcore fans will likely relish the intricate structure, while others may find it semi-frustrating or overly pretentious. The story itself oscillates between intriguing and overly self-aware, and I found it occasionally testing my patience. While it raises interesting questions about art, legacy, and existential uncertainty, it often feels more like a vehicle for Anderson’s artistic indulgences than a fully realized narrative. At its core, Asteroid City exemplifies the balance of art versus entertainment, leaning heavily into the former while still offering moments of levity and charm. However, it also commercializes its artistry to a degree, diluting its impact for those expecting a more immersive emotional experience. In summary, it is a visually stunning, highly stylized film that will delight loyalists while potentially perplexing newcomers. It’s a pretty film with a unique aesthetic and clever storytelling, though its slightly pretentious tone and uneven pacing may limit its appeal. If you’re a fan of Anderson’s previous works, you’ll likely enjoy the ride, otherwise, it might be a bit of an acquired taste.
