In Japan a violent outbreak of dog flu and snout fever have plagued the K9’s, both domesticated and stray. While the sickness has not yet transferred to people, mayor Kobayashi (Kunichi Nomura) has decided that the best course of action is to relocate each and every dog to Trash Island to live in order to protect the citizens. With this order Isle of Dogs is born. While things seem to be in order, a little pilot, Atari (Koyu Rankin), has snuck onto the island to find his dog, Spots (Liev Schreiber). With the help of the surrounding dogs, Atari will do whatever he can to reunite himself with his lost puppy.
Almost ten years prior to the release of Isle of Dogs, a film by the name of Fantastic Mr. Fox was released. Both films are written and directed by Wes Anderson; both films use the same animation, pull together a large number of talented actors, and convey similar messages of camaraderie and perseverance. With so much in common, viewers can’t help but to expect the same level of entertainment from Isle of Dogs that they received when watching Fantastic Mr. Fox. Spoiler: Isle of Dogs fails to entertain in the same fashion.
Isle of Dogs does not by any means completely fail to entertain; there are moments of comedic genius that arise from the voice actors. A combination of Bill Murray (Boss), Jeff Goldblum (Duke), Bob Balaban (King), and Edward Norton (Rex) make for an interesting film. While the four are not technically the lead protagonists of Isle of Dogs, it feels that they, in many ways, are what guide the film and make it relatable. Each of the four have played significant roles in Hollywood and many would consider Goldblum and Murray comedic geniuses capable of taking on nearly any role, and their banter back and forth throughout Isle of Dogs is proof of just how brilliant they are. Furthermore, in general it is interesting to hear the voices of these highly regarded individuals coming from the mouths of dogs. That alone is enough to provide some humor and put a smile on the face of viewers.
Now, while the dogs are the heart and soul behind Isle of Dogs (obviously), Atari plays such a significant role in the film that it could be argued that he is, in fact, the protagonist. What this character brings to the table is of immense importance, as he shows great tenacity working with complete strangers (dogs) in order to find his best friend (also a dog). The levels of irony present in his character’s very existence provides additional comedy and keeps viewers that may feel Isle of Dogs is not for them hanging around. As Atari’s role slowly becomes bigger and bigger, viewers begin to understand that his importance is not just in helping to guide the story, but to act as the glue that holds the film together. His heart and his passion are apparent--even to those who don’t know what he is saying (he speaks Japanese throughout the entire film)--providing a spark of emotion that appeared to be missing in the early going. Again, even though many viewers struggle to understand exactly what he is saying, due to the language barrier, Rankin makes his emotions clear and adds layers to the story present in Isle of Dogs.
Going into Isle of Dogs with the expectation that it would feel similar to Fantastic Mr. Fox is fair, as the writer-director is the same, the animation is the same, and the story present within the film is quite similar. There is no issue or disappointment present within that aspect of my viewing experience. The issue lies within the fact that I believed that, due to all of the similarities, that Isle of Dogs would compare emotionally and comedically to the Fantastic Mr. Fox. Coming in with those high expectations, I believe, hindered how I viewed the film to a degree. Ultimately, due to the fact that Fantastic Mr. Fox was so entertaining, I feel that Isle of Dogs was slightly disappointing. On its own, without the memory of Anderson’s past victories, Isle of Dogs is well written, entertaining for viewers of all ages, and a story to which nearly everyone can relate. Its story is inspiring as it allows viewers to see that anything is possible, and that, even in the face of pure evil, love and hardwork can prevail.
Directed by Wes Anderson.
Written by Written Anderson, Roman Coppola, Jason Schwartzman & Kunichi Nomura.
Starring Bryan Cranston, Koyu Rankin, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, Jeff Goldblum, Billy Murray, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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