Rushmore

Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Olivia Williams, Bill Murray, Brian Cox, Seymour Cassel, Mason Gamble, Luke Wilson
Directed by:Wes Anderson
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Awards:Los Angeles Film Critics: Best Supporting Actor (Bill Murray), New Generation Award (Wes Anderson); Golden Satellite Award:Best Supporting Actor in Comedy/Musical (Bill Murray); Golden Globe Nominee: Best Supporting Actor (Bill Murray); Independent Spirit Award: Best Director (Wes Anderson), Best Supporting Actor (Bill Murray); National Society of Film Critics: Best Supporting Actor (Bill Murray)

Summary:High school sophomore Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) is involved tremdously at Rushmore High School, the President of a number of clubs, founder of dozens more, and one of the worst academic students in the school. Max falls in love with a first grade teacher (Olivia Williams), and as he falls deeper and deeper, he begins to realize he's competing for her affections with his friend, Mr. Blume (Bill Murray), a wealthy but immature tycoon. It turns into all out war between friends as they vie for the attentions of a very special girl.

Review:

Tim: I wanted to see this film for so long before I actually got around to watching it. I had seen previews for it on network television, and I found myself laughing hysterically at what I saw. I'm glad to say that the film is not disappointing from what I expected at all.

This film made me laugh out loud a number of times- something I am not used to doing when watching movies. It has some truly funny lines, for instance, Schwartzman says, "I like your nurse's uniform, guy", to which Luke Wilson replies, "These are O.R. scrubs", and Scwartzman retorts, "O R they?" and then Bill Murray chokes on his drink. It's hilarious.

The comedy you'll watch is not your typical one, as it has a dark side to it, and the content is not the same, regurgitated crap that you've seen a million times. The jokes are strong and funny, and will honestly make you laugh. One of the things I loved about this film is that the comedy isn't slapstick, fart jokes that so many comedians use. It's intelligent, witty, and makes for great entertainment.

Jason Schwartzman gives an amazing performance, one filled with adolescent emotion. He's terrific in the film, and a joy to watch. He's got a talent for comedy, as well as a sinister side to him. This is the first film I've seen him in, but I know talent when I see it.

Billy Murray is just hilarious. He's one of the funniest men in America in my opinion, and gives an incredible performance here. He steals every scene he's in, making the film just magnificent. In my opinion, his performance is Oscar-worthy.

Wes Anderson, in his follow up to Bottle Rocket, creates an unorthodox hit that is incredibly enjoyable. He and co-writer Owen Wilson did a tremendous job, and their hard work and dedication comes out in every single scene. It was a crime and a shame that this film wasn't nominated for a single Oscar- piss on the Academy for that.

One of the great aspects of this film is that it's so great to look at. You find yourself watching intently at even the smallest scene, enthralled by what is before your eyes. The characters are brought vividly to life, and you soon care about each and every one of them. This is not a typical comedy, but i wish more films would follow the course of this one. Intelligent comedy is funny, and oftentimes more laughable than the sex, fart, and burp jokes that we as a society are so used to. If you haven't seen this film, check it out. It will honest-to-God make you laugh, and I'm confident you'll love it as much as I do.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Bottle Rocket, The Graduate, Legally Blonde,