The Phoenician Scheme 2025
The latest movie from Wes Anderson seemed like it got negative reviews, but then I saw a few that were better, so I figured it was probably worth seeing. And it is for the most part, but it certainly isn't his best work or anyone else's. It's a very simple setup with mostly just three actors and becomes repetitive after a while. It still has Anderson's trademark flourishes including always great set decoration and the clipped dialogue can be used effectively. There are some great actors, but since the focus is mostly on the three (Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton, and Michael Cera) the rest of the big names in the cast get mostly cameos, not even anything great usually. It is all harmless, but still disappointing from people we know can do a lot more. The characters didn't do much for me, though the three each do a good job in their own way with what little they are given. The larger plot that holds everything together, the titular scheme, isn't that intriguing or exciting, just some big public works projects. I still enjoyed it so I can't give a low grade, but the disappointment brings me down to a B-.
Written: 17 Jun 2025