The Sunrise Theater continues its August run of outstanding films with a critically acclaimed comedy/drama that includes an ensemble cast of stars.

Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Harvey Keitel, Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward and Tilda Swinson star in "Moonrise Kingdom," a film directed by Wes Anderson that has been described as "at once deeply and universally relatable ... that perfect balance of style and substance."

This film will be shown from Aug. 23 -27, with shows weekdays at 7:30 p.m. and weekends at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. The film is rated PG-13 and runs for 93 minutes.

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, "Moonrise Kingdom" tells the story of two 12-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness.

As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore - and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle.

Bruce Willis plays the local sheriff. Edward Norton is a Khaki Scout troop leader. Bill Murray and Frances McDormand portray the young girl's parents. The cast also includes Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman, with Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as the boy and girl.

"Moonrise Kingdom" opened to outstanding reviews (84 percent positive on Movie Review Intelligence and 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes) with many critics praising director Wes Anderson's renowned eye for detail.

For example, Elizabeth Weitzman of the New York Daily News writes that "Anderson devotes himself meticulously to each element, creating scene after scene of exquisite precision."

Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times notes that the film "casts a magical spell with Anderson finding a near-perfect balance between the humanism and the surreal that imprints all of his work."

And Roger Ebert praises Bill Murray's performance, noting that "Bill Murray is always right for a role in an Anderson film, and I wonder if it's because they share a bemused sadness."

The historic Sunrise Theater, located at 250 NW Broad St. in Southern Pines, is nonprofit.

Ticket prices are $7 and are only available at the box office prior to shows. Refreshments, including beer and wine, are available.

For information, call (910) 692-3611 or visit www.sunrisetheater.com.