Bottle Rocket: this gentle crime comedy by Wes Anderson follows a trio of friends who wants nothing more than to belong somewhere, and seem to think that the best way to achieve that is a life of petty crime. Humanist to its core, the film clearly cares deeply for its characters, and no matter how harebrained their schemes may be, never looks down on them. Luke Wilson plays one of the co-protagonists, a sweet young man who leaves a mental institution and meets his best friend, played by Owen Wilson, the one with a plan that includes armed robberies, pole vaulting, and explosives. Both are touching in their roles, trying their utmost best to escape the pain they feel. James Caan has a minor role as a minor crime lord, perhaps, and he can be threatening or wise as needed. Aesthetically, the film shows some of the elements that Anderson would later be known for, but the film has a generally naturalistic look and feel; cinematographer Robert Yeoman moves the camera nicely. The use of music is excellent, and editor David Moritz gives the film a nice pace.