Some filmmakers have styles so distinctive that it’s impossible not to recognize one of their movies. You can always tell, for instance, when you’re watching Tim Burton or Martin Scorsese film. So it is with Wes Anderson projects, packed to the brim with fast-paced dialogue, absurd characters and storylines, and comedy that can best be described as “do as much as you can and hope most of it is funny.” It’s a divisive style that doesn’t appeal to everyone but is beloved by its fans. If you happen to be one of those fans, then I have good news. The Phoenician Scheme is very much a Wes Anderson movie. If you aren’t, then unfortunately The Phoenician Scheme is very much a Wes Anderson movie.

This particular entry into Anderson’s filmography tells the story of corrupt businessman Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) and his latest, massive venture that promises to make himself and all of his business partners wealthy for generations to come. After several assassination attempts and airplane crashes, Korda seeks to reunite with his daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), and make her sole heir to his estate. Liesl is against the idea because she is, of course, training to be a nun. Still, the two embark on a whirlwind trip to convince Korda’s business partners to give him more money, and along the way meet all manner of ridiculous characters played by veteran actors.

As with any other Anderson film, the cast is going to do a lot of heavy lifting when it comes to selling the comedy. Happily, they all seem to be up to the task. Del Toro and Threapleton have wonderful chemistry, with her reserved, deadpan line delivery playing beautifully off of his more manic mannerisms. Michael Cera is also present as Bjørn, Korda’s new tutor and executive assistant, and he gives the character a real charm. The star-studded additional cast, including Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Benedict Cumberbatch, and a whole slew of others, don’t have much screen-time, but they all throw themselves admirably into their roles. So much star-power in the cameos could have been distracting, but thanks to everyone buying into the craziness, it works.

Anderson and longtime writing partner Roman Coppola deserve some credit here too, as the tight script and direction keeps anyone from overstaying their welcome and dragging the whole thing down. If there’s a complaint to be had, it would be that sometimes the quick pace causes the movie to blow past characters I’d have like to spend a little more time with. There’s so much to do that it’s understandable, but it does feel at times like there are some missed opportunities.

I suppose one could also complain that the movie feels like it has very little substance. This is not some dense, emotionally charged thriller. It’s the movie equivalent of cotton candy; light, pleasant, but not terribly filling or memorable. However, I don’t get the impression that The Phoenician Scheme was trying to be anything more. It’s not an overly ambitious film, and that’s alright. Anderson’s filmography has plenty of ambitious movies, there’s no harm in having one be a bit simpler. So, while the “scheme” may really be just a collection of silly ideas, they’re pretty decent ideas, and that makes for a pretty decent movie.