If you're a fan of
Wes Anderson, then you already know what type of movie
Bottle Rocket is and isn't. If you've never heard of the guy or seen any of his movies, then you are most likely not going to "get it". Simply put,
Bottle Rocket is an odd movie when comparing it to others. The character of
Dignan portrayed by
Owen Wilson is the definition of clueless and 'off his rocker'. In a way,
Bottle Rocket definitely can be categorized as a "Heist" genre film. Kinda. The character spends pretty much the entire movie planning a heist that will "impress"
Mr. Henry (James Cann) and will make him a member of his "crew". This is his arc. Doesn't quite go the way he planned to say the least.
Anthony, played by
Luke Wilson is just along for the ride, enabling his friend
Dignan because he doesn't have the heart to disappoint him. Along the way
Anthony falls in love with a housekeeper and then....that's it. Nothing more comes of this other than that she tells him a little ways down the road that she loves him. Now we are back to the Heist. It's basically a comedy of errors and nothing good comes from it. As odd as the movie is, I always get a kick out of it. The movie is far from perfect, especially by
Wes Anderson standards. His later films are more intricate making this one the 'ugly stepchild' in his filmography and definitely one that doesn't arrive at a clear resolution for both
Dignan and
Anthony.
In spite of no real clear resolution, this is definitely worth a
Rent just to see where
Anderson, Owen and
Luke came from before making it big on their own terms.