Entertaining but lightweight multi-genre anthology pic. Moving, occasionally manipulative, affecting and effective with the exception of a nicely animated but insubstantial segment about the world after humans, and a head-scratchingly dull and artsy-fartsy (emphasis on the fartsy, charisma-free performances and all) final segment that ends the whole enterprise on a sour note. Some lovely acting, especially in the two standout segments: "Seven Rooms" and the quietly heartbreaking "SO far."

Solid, Wes Anderson-flavored food product makes for a satisfying meal but a disappointing addition to the menu. To extend the metaphor, I found the side dishes (Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand--basically the entire adult cast) and the seasoning (the characteristically meticulous/precious production design, costumes, score, and cinematography) far more compelling than the boiled-chicken entree of disappointing child actors. Would order again, but only if the kitchen were completely out of BOTTLE ROCKET, RUSHMORE, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS, or THE LIFE AQUATIC.

The ironically named Blake Lively isn't even the worst thing about this movie, but it's not for lack of trying. Consider it a calisthenic, Pilates-style workout to develop your disbelief-suspending muscles. Nearly everyone involved in this project deserved much better. Except for Blake Lively, because [SPOILER ALERT] she is apparently being puppeted from inside a la MEET DAVE by tiny versions of Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Smith, and the traveling pants from THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS.

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.