Bottle Rocket (R, 1996)

In this quirky crime comedy, three best friends think committing petty heists -- like gently robbing the local book superstore -- will lead to a more exciting and fulfilling life. The trio's ring-leader is Dignan (Owen Wilson), the kind of loony, fast-talking friend who can convince a pal to do just about anything. Anthony (Luke Wilson) recently left a volunteer psychiatric facility, while Bob (Robert Musgrave) has family money and a car. Dignan sets out to prove his gang as successful crooks, so that his former landscaping employer and small-time crime boss Mr. Henry (James Caan) will hire them for a big score. Of course they're completely inept, and incapable of executing a real heist.

The first feature film writer-director Wes Anderson and writer-star Owen Wilson collaborated on sets the tone for their many quirky independent ensembles to come. Those familiar with Anderson's films will recognize some of the supporting players, like the Wilsons' older sibling Andrew as Bob's annoying bully of a brother and the always entertaining Kumar Pallana as a bumbling safe specialist. The overly stylized dialogue and slightly unstable relationships will also make sense, although it has become even wittier (some would say self-indulgent) over the years.

BOTTLE ROCKET was a critical success when it was released in 1996 and launched the careers of a creative team that know comedy can be talky, subtle, character driven, and even heartbreaking at times. It's not the best Anderson-Wilson endeavor, but as the first it establishes central elements visible in all their films.

Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Wes Anderson
Cast: Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Robert Musgrave
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 91 minutes
Theatrical release: February 21, 1996
DVD release: December 22, 1998
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language.