Strange cruise: 'Isle of Dogs' is an enjoyable return to planet Anderson

Isle of Dogs
4 out of 5 Stars
Director: Wes Anderson
Writer: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman, Kunichi Nomura
Starring: Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Rated: PG-13 for thematic elements and some violent images

Synopsis: In a near-future Japan, Kobayashi, the mayor of Megasaki City, signs a decree that requires all dogs be sent to Trash Island. As a result, Atari, Mayor Kobayashi’s nephew, embarks on an adventure to reunite with his beloved pet, Spots, who was the first dog banished. On the island, he is aided by a pack of dogs led by Chief, a former stray.

Review: In 2009 Wes Anderson released “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” a stop-motion animated film loosely based on Roald Dahl’s novel. It was a bizarre cinematic experience that thrilled critics, but never really caught on with the masses. Over time the film has become something of a cult favorite, which might explain why Fox Searchlight was willing to roll the dice once again for “Isle of Dogs.” I’m incredibly happy that they did.

“Isle of Dogs” is a Frankenstein’s monster of dark comedy, political satire, dystopian science fiction and Japanese cinema crammed into one wild adventure film. Then again, it’s also just a simple story about a boy who misses his dog and the journey he takes to find him. It is as much a film for adults as it is for children. Sure, it qualifies as decidedly strange children’s programming, but so was “H.R. Pufnstuf.” Strange doesn’t equate to unapproachable or inappropriate. A film about an island populated by dogs could have easily turned into a running joke about dogs marking their territory and kids would have loved it while adults tuned out. This is referenced once, never shown. Conversely, Anderson could have also made a film with more of an adult edge by constantly reminding us that “bitch” has a non-offensive meaning. He goes there, but not remotely as many times as a lesser director/writer would. He picks his moments, never drives a joke into the ground.

If you’re looking for something along the lines of Henry Selick’s films like “James and the Giant Peach,” “Coraline” and “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas” or an Aardman Animations release like “Shaun the Sheep” or “Wallace & Gromit,” you might find that “Isle of Dogs” asks you to take a step outside of your comfort zone, but don’t let that scare you away. There is much to enjoy in something that is as unconventional as it is well-written. You might even find yourself drawn deeper into the unusual world of stop-motion animation where you could discover the films of the Brothers Quay, Jan Svankmajer or the bolexbrothers.