Be forewarned, this is an odd film. Generally, I like odd. But odd does not always equal good, fresh, entertaining etc. "Punch Drunk Love" was odd, but I did not quite appreciate it's dissonance.

Bill Murray plays Steve Zissou, a possibly washed up (sorry couldn't resist the pun) diving documentary filmmaker. He fancies himself worthy of rubbing shoulders with the likes of Jacques Cousteau, but is not above owning his many faults. Murray is awesome. He captures the insanity, dignity, vulnerability, and foolishness of Zissou with great range, subtlety and ease. Anderson has written a wonderful character in Zissou, and "Life Aquatic" gives us a seaside view into a developmentally important time in Zissou's aging life.

Add to that, Owen Wilson as Ned, Zissou's probably-son. At the age of 30, Ned introduces himself to Zissou who surprisingly embraces his newfound maybe-son, but with an awkward distance that Anderson works out through the length of the film. That relationship is the heart of the film. Whenever Wilson and Zissou are alone on screen, there's magic, potency enough to bring tears to viewers.

But the film concerns itself with other matters, Zissou's declining career, as he struggles to keep his lifestyle afloat. Anderson employs a deadpan poke-funnery of 70's style cheesy production. Occasionally, that's funny, but many times it's not. In fact, perhaps I missed the nudge-nudge-wink-wink humor, but I find the first half of the picture quite lacking in comedy and substance. And that lack spills into the second half as well.

Still, Murray, Wilson and their characters are so solid that I am heavily involved in their development. Also, DaFoe is surprisingly absolutely hilarious as the hard-nosed German with emotional sensitivity of an adolescent. (I had no idea he was so short). He, like Wilson, takes on a role that shatters previous castings. Bud Cort (Harold of "Harold and Maude") in a smaller role, plays the bond-stooge. It's always nostalgic to see him on film again. Those of us who feel emotionally attached to him as Harold will be happy to see his youthful smile break through an aged outer body.

Overall, un-evenly entertaining. Rich quality moments somewhat make up for substantial downtime. Admirably, and undoubtedly, this will prove a risky film. I wouldn't be surprised if many people detest it, while still others praise it without restraint.

Murray says, "...You're not stopping and selling every moment as you would in an ordinary comedy. It's more about showing up in the moment..."