Bottle Rocket

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2:43

Bottle Rocket

R

Released Feb 21, 1996

1h 31m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

73 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

In Wes Anderson's first feature film, Anthony (Luke Wilson) has just been released from a mental hospital, only to find his wacky friend Dignan (Owen C. Wilson) determined to begin an outrageous crime spree. After recruiting their neighbor, Bob (Robert Musgrave), the team embarks on a road trip in search of Dignan's previous boss, Mr. Henry (James Caan). But the more they learn, the more they realize that they do not know the first thing about crime.

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Critics Consensus

Bottle Rocket is Reservoir Dogs meets Breathless with a West Texas sensibility.

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David Hunter

The Hollywood Reporter

The performers look like they're having a lot of fun, but there is a great deal of skill on display.

Feb 21, 2018

Full Review

Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

A confident, eccentric debut about a trio of shambling and guileless friends who become the Candides of crime, Rocket feels particularly refreshing because it never compromises on its delicate deadpan sensibility.

Mar 4, 2014

Full Review

Bruce Diones

The New Yorker

[Bottle Rocket] meanders pleasantly, like a road movie, with a seventies-style, anything-goes offhandedness that whisks the audience through the rough spots.

Mar 4, 2014

Full Review

Joe Leydon

The Moving Picture Show

In tone, style and content, this quirky little movie recalls the low-key comedies of Bill Forsythe ("Local Hero," "Housekeeping"), the poet laureate of melancholy whimsy.

Nov 9, 2023

Full Review

Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

Wes Anderson’s debut might lack the meticulous visual style he's synonymous with, but it's full of the charm and understated emotion we love him for.

Sep 29, 2023

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a thoroughly quirky yet mostly compelling comedy...

Rated: 3/4

Aug 6, 2023

Full Review

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Tyler G

Bottle rocket, one of Wes anderson's earliest films, was a joy to watch. It was a constant thrill ride, and the acting was quite meaningful. Owen wilson delivered and you truly begin to get to know each character as the storyline progresses. Luke wilson evoked a lot of emotion as he navigated life after the hospital, and it was fun to see him disregard the plan over time. This entire film felt whimsical, and I was quite happy with it. Wes Anderson always delivers, and I'd recommend this to anyone. The film quality is grainy and feels reminiscent of 1996, which was different but welcomed. I felt like I was watching a movie from my childhood.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/05/24

Full Review

Ryland C

Honestly, it’s really hard to hate Bottle Rocket. It’s Wes Anderson’s very first movie and he nailed this start to his filmography. As the movie itself, it’s just a pretty fun heist movie. The cast was great, the comedy was excellent, and there’s a lot of great camera shots. So yeah! This movie is great, and a decent start to Wes Anderson’s film career.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/26/24

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Mason M

The light and breezy first film about the world's worst thieves by what went on to be one of the biggest directors still working. This film is an easy watch and doesn't take itself very seriously, which is also it's biggest advantage. Bottle Rocket shouldn't be a good film but it's fun, funny, amd well done.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/11/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Two friends decide to go into the life of crime; question is do they even have a clue how to do it correctly? Both Luke Wilson and Owen Wilson star in Wes Anderson's first quirky outing. One has left a mental hospital, the other wants the thrill of the chase. There's not really a lot of gunplay in this and I was actually more interested in the love story portion. The actual caper doesn't start until the very end. But both Wilson's chemistry shines. For young criminal wannabes they sure do have a lot to learn.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/24

Full Review

Conner D

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It was an easy watch that kept my attention from start to finish. This is not a flashy exciting tale of daring heists, rather an insight on a few guys just trying to live for something. Was it perfect? No. Is it worth watching at some point? Absolutely!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/23/23

Full Review

Andy S

Hilarious. Charming and honest. Wes Anderson in his embryonic form. What a refreshing point of view. Both Wilson's are tremendous.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/15/23

Full Review

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Wes Anderson

Director

Owen Wilson

Dignan

Luke Wilson

Anthony Adams

Robert Musgrave

Bob Mapplethorpe

Andrew Wilson

John Mapplethorpe (Future Man)

Lumi Cavazos

Inez

Bottle Rocket: Official Clip - The Job Falls Apart

2:06

Bottle Rocket: Official Clip - They'll Never Catch Me

2:10

Bottle Rocket: Official Clip - Little Banana

2:05

Bottle Rocket: Official Clip - Dignan Blows Up

2:04

Bottle Rocket: Official Clip - Keep the Gun on the Table!

2:06

Bottle Rocket: Official Clip - Future Man and Stacy

2:13

Bottle Rocket: Official Clip - Bob Mapplethorpe, Potential Getaway Driver

2:12

Bottle Rocket: Official Clip - It Was for Exhaustion

1:37

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Bottle Rocket: Trailer 1

2:43

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Synopsis

In Wes Anderson's first feature film, Anthony (Luke Wilson) has just been released from a mental hospital, only to find his wacky friend Dignan (Owen C. Wilson) determined to begin an outrageous crime spree. After recruiting their neighbor, Bob (Robert Musgrave), the team embarks on a road trip in search of Dignan's previous boss, Mr. Henry (James Caan). But the more they learn, the more they realize that they do not know the first thing about crime.

Director: Wes Anderson
Producer: Cynthia Hargrave, Polly Platt
Screenwriter: Owen Wilson, Wes Anderson
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation, Gracie Films
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 21, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 18, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $488.6K
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR

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