The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: December 10, 2004
7.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 248 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
200
Mixed:
32
Negative:
16
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
6
NickTheCritickApr 23, 2022
Film almost entirely set in an "aquatic" environment: Steve Zissou is a researcher-director of marine documentaries who, from the day his best friend is devoured by a jaguar shark, undertakes an expedition to hunt the animal. Murray'sFilm almost entirely set in an "aquatic" environment: Steve Zissou is a researcher-director of marine documentaries who, from the day his best friend is devoured by a jaguar shark, undertakes an expedition to hunt the animal. Murray's traveling companions are his wife, child, a pregnant reporter and crew. A snobbish and nostalgic comedy (probabily too snobbish) that is reminiscent of tenenbaums in all respects but not as good as that movie.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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6
JeffM.Oct 15, 2006
I've enjoyed all of Wes Anderson's movies, and even loved one of them (Rushmore), but it was only a matter of time before he'd fall too in love with his own sense of ironic whimsy. Aquatic is never boring (with that cast, how I've enjoyed all of Wes Anderson's movies, and even loved one of them (Rushmore), but it was only a matter of time before he'd fall too in love with his own sense of ironic whimsy. Aquatic is never boring (with that cast, how could it be?), but the story never shakes the feeling that they're making it all up as they go along.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
IanA.Nov 22, 2005
Quite an enjoyable watch. Some funny laughs but mostly an interesting style of storytelling and filming. The sound quality is very bad at some points and had us questioning what was said.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
GaborA.Dec 10, 2005
Mildly amuzing throughout but not very funny. Too often wierdness and psuedo dramtic elements are used to distract from the fact that not much funny is happening.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
4
RitaP.Jan 26, 2006
Was disappointed by this especially after the royal tenebaums i was expecting a lot more from Wes Anderson.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
adhamhanyFeb 24, 2014
It retains many facets of Wes Anderson's movies, such as the humor and the eccentricity of the characters. Unfortunately, it was boring in many of its parts. I really think it would have benefited from a shorter length.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
MovieGuysJun 25, 2014
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou has all the quirky, familiar elements of an Anderson film, but with less wit and intelligence than the rest of them. Just like the deep sea cruiser Team Zissou is in, the movie sinks and sinks until itThe Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou has all the quirky, familiar elements of an Anderson film, but with less wit and intelligence than the rest of them. Just like the deep sea cruiser Team Zissou is in, the movie sinks and sinks until it reaches rock bottom. Murray and Wilson just barely make it watchable, even if the forced irony is over the top.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
mailinhJan 6, 2014
Unfortunately, the wonderful excitement I usually get while watching Anderson movies faded after the first 55 running min. of "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" as I realised it will last twice as long as from now. After that it was kind ofUnfortunately, the wonderful excitement I usually get while watching Anderson movies faded after the first 55 running min. of "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" as I realised it will last twice as long as from now. After that it was kind of difficult to focus on the movie while not to get drowned into a dull mood. This film of his contained too much dispensable scenes. For my part, Anderson movies should obviously maintain a shorter length.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
RalfbergsAug 21, 2023
It was with nice cinematography, colourful etc and what Wes Anderson does best, but unlike some of his other movies that I enjoyed more, here the story for me was not really what I liked. But yeah I guess it is not for everyone and there areIt was with nice cinematography, colourful etc and what Wes Anderson does best, but unlike some of his other movies that I enjoyed more, here the story for me was not really what I liked. But yeah I guess it is not for everyone and there are certainly many people who will enjoy this movie a lot.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
amheretojudgeNov 5, 2018
is surprisingly a heartbreaking tale..

The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou Anderson's, probably, the first asymmetric and a bit "street" world runs on pathos ideology and is surprisingly a heartbreaking tale. It doesn't suggest in any wayis surprisingly a heartbreaking tale..

The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou

Anderson's, probably, the first asymmetric and a bit "street" world runs on pathos ideology and is surprisingly a heartbreaking tale. It doesn't suggest in any way that it isn't funny. The awkward silent pitches are more hilarious than the conversations itself. As always Anderson dives into the details like no other, he informs you everything about everyone, from characteristics of the characters to the geographic tour that he is about to take through the entire feature, from the mood set in an environment to what the characters are thinking, everything favors in on his side. With plethora of characters at helm, he charges at you from the first frame with complete awareness and control over them. Despite of having these many characters, their sub-plots are still eerily fresh and ironical to the core.

Anderson is unflinchingly delivering smart and competent storytelling along with Baumbach, his co-writer. The screenplay is gripping and adaptive with a layered thought-provoking metaphorical concept residing amidst all one-liners. None of the gags in here are sketchy, the makers aren't trying too hard to draw out a chuckle from the viewers. Murray on the throne, is firm and convincing, no matter what his character might suggest, he cracks you up and he melt you down, his range is too wide to fit in the frame. Wilson in his parallel role is hilarious and eerily calm, as he always is.

Blanchett on the other hand, seems like is underused, still she is aptly on mark. Goldblum and Gambon aren't that impressive in here, they fail to cast their anticipated spell. Fortunately, the real game changer is Dafoe, he is flat out charming in his role. He is comfortable, he makes you comfortable, his emotionally driven character is perfectly filled in by him. His sub-plot is the strongest among all. The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou is the least Anderson movie, and yet scream his presence on screen from head to toe.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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