The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

That he doesn't, I must tell you, does nothing to detract or distract from the story overall. In fact, I will go so far as to say it adds to the story and the conclusion.

But back to Zissou: He is an oceanographer, a self-styled auteur of a series of mind-numbing, dull, uninspired underwater documentaries that are so incredibly lacking that if one were to slip into a coma it would be a great improvement. "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" opens with the premiere of his latest undersea effort, and is so bad that when the lights come up and the screen goes the dark the audience remains, apparently hoping something worthwhile is coming. This effect owes much to Zissou himself, who comes across more often than not as the poster child for entropy.

Getting back to the matter at hand: Zissou, in the wake of his partner's death, decides to find the culprit, kill it, and photograph the entire thing for his next cinematic effort. Of course, given his lack of energy and passion for just about everything, requires he gain his ship, Belafonte, his ex-wife, the aforementioned Eleanor, her ex-husband, Alistair, the salty sea dog, Klaus, the producer of the films, Oseary Drakoulias (Michael Gambon), the financial guy for the production of the films, Bill (Bud Cort), Ned, who, by the way, thinks he may be Steve's son, Jane Winslett-Richardson (Cate Blanchett), and others, who come and go without reason or cause.

As they travel to find the sea-borne killer they involve themselves in great melodramatic machinations and very complex plot complications, which seem to stem from the overall design of the boat, bearing a resemblance to a rusted spit bucket. At least on the outside. Inside the boat is fitted out with a scientific laboratory, a spa, and other luxuries otherwise limited to the QEII.

"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" was directed by Wes Anderson, who previously directed "The Royal Tenenbaums". I mention this not to impress but as disclaimer of sorts: If you saw this particular film and understood the comedic stylings therein then it is likely you will understand and appreciate the comedic stylings herein.

It's that sort of movie: If you have a good sense of humor about the world around you, and are not afraid to laugh "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" is for you, and worth the price of admission.

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