Bottle Rocket

Bottle Rocket (1996)

  • 80% of critics liked it
    (44 reviews)

  • 79% of users liked it
    (56,796 ratings)

A bright, optimistic caper comedy from first-time director Wes Anderson, Bottle Rocket focuses on a group of young Texans aspiring to become master thieves. Their leader is Dignan (Owen C. Wilson, who also co-wrote the screenplay), an upbeat if naive charmer who convinces his friends Anthony… More

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R, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By
Wes Anderson
Written By
Wes Anderson, Owen Wilson
Genres
Drama, Comedy
In Theaters
Feb 23, 1996 Wide
On DVD
Dec 22, 1998
Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

    Works on its own modest, limited terms and, despite the obvious fun involved, never feels self-indulgent.

  • Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

    I can't recommend the film -- it's too unwound and indulgent -- but I have a certain affection for it, and I'm looking forward to whatever Anderson and the Wilsons do next.

  • Janet Maslin, New York Times

    A mildly facetious tone limits Anderson's film to the lightweight, but the collective enthusiasm behind this debut effort still comes through.

  • Mike Clark, USA Today

    A little deal, this movie is like a bottle rocket itself: a big bang for the money.

  • Rita Kempley, Washington Post

    Gets by on quirky charm and slacker chic -- but just barely.

Read all 17 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • danny d


    absolutely one of the most fun, quirky, unrealistic, hilarious films out there. wes andersons composition style, dialogue, shot selection, and attention to detail make him one of the best directors out there, and this chaotic film is an example of how bizarre something can be while… More

  • Kase V


    Wes Anderson's 'Bottle Rocket' is a comedic caper with a unique style that Anderson will make his own as he continues to make more films. It's a great sign of what's to come, because the script is very well done and the Wilson brothers both turn in very good… More

  • Tim S


    As I've stated many times on Flixster, I'm a self-confessed Wes Anderson addict. He's the feel-good Stanley Kubrick for a new generation of filmmakers and holds his own despite the comparison. His movies are usually almost strictly about characters, and not necessarily… More

  • paul o


    Its fun, charming, and original! A great debut by director Wes Anderson and introducing the Wilson triplets. For any fan of indie hipster cinema, this is a treat!

  • Graham J


    The debut from Wes Anderson is perhaps his most conventional comedy, though the more you watch it you realize how unconventional it is. Filled with hilarious qoutable dialogue and breakthrough performances by Owen and Luke Wilson. We get the first glimpse of a unique director's… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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