The French Dispatch

    Just what you would expect from writer/director Wes Anderson, a film filled with whimsy, wit, intelligence, and an excellent ensemble cast. The story revolves around a fictional magazine based in France, which is the foreign arm of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun. 

     The plot presents three central unconnected articles you would find from various parts of the magazine, such as arts, food and politics with a forward and an epilogue and bookended with scenes at the magazine.

      The colorful cast of characters includes Bill Murray as the editor of the "Dispatch", Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jeffrey Wright, and Owen Wilson as writers as well as Adrian Brody, Benicio del Toro, Lea Seydoux, Timothee Chalamet, Mathieu Amalric, Elizabeth Moss, and Jason Schwartzman (one of the co-writers of the story). There are also too many other recognizable stars to mention in other minor roles.  

    The featured articles are "The Concrete Masterpiece" which features Ms. Swinton (who is simply marvelous), Mr. Brody, Mr. del Toro and Ms. Seydoux. "Revisions to a Manifesto" featuring Ms. McDormand, Mr. Chalamet and Lyna Khoudri and "The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner" which features Jeffrey Wright (in a terrific ode to James Baldwin), Mr. Amalric and many fun cameos. 

    Mr. Anderson shoots scenes in color, black & white, and animation mixing them all throughout the film creating a constant visual treat. Delightful in so many ways, from the acting, the wonderful musical score, and the incredibly colorful visual palate, the film is a feast for Wes Anderson fans. The casual viewer may find the film a bit too smart for its own good but still enjoy it for the visuals, music and plethora of actors found within its charms.