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Moonrise Kingdom, Movie

Moonrise Kingdom 2012

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Wes Anderson (Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Royal Tenenbaums) comedy set in the summer of ’65 where a small community is mobilised in search of two runaway 12-year-old lovebirds. The all-star cast includes Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand, Jason Schwartzman and Bill Murray. More

A quiet community resides on an island off the coast of New England. After falling in love, former Khaki Scout and orphan Sam (Jared Gilman) runs away with forlorn Suzy (Kara Hayward) into the island's wilderness. With the local sheriff (Willis), the girl’s parents (Murray and Frances McDormand), Social Services (Tilda Swinton) and a Khaki Scout troop leader (Norton) all trying to stabilise the situation, the search threatens to become a disaster when a violent storm brews off-shore. Hide

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133 votes / 16 comments The Talk

  • 92 %

    Want to See it

    What say you?

    • Tania

      look like a great kid fantasy movie

    • Dan

      Mean as!

    • Raf

      Hipster heaven

    • Clabe

      this looks cute

    • MDR

      Fantastic cast - should be a great show!

    • RexH

      Should be hilarious - a definite watch!

    • Shaun

      Looks like Wes gold

    • Darryn

      Looks epic!

    • RexH

      Wonderful! Epic cast. Bruce Willis almost back to Moonlighting! Cant fail - but if it does it'll beone of the biggest fails ever!

    • Kate

      Just seen this while in the US and it's fantastic, Wes at his wittiest, the trailer doesn't do it justice!

    • leelee

      Kewl

    • Dean

      Saw it at the film fest, loved it - will watch again.

    • Dickee

      american history X looks dapper in scout attire and Ghost Busters is always good value 4 hard earned money

    • Tamwise

      Anything with ed norton and bill murray instantly gets my tick of approval.

    • sacha

      looks interesting.

    • rekkie

      just came back from the theatre, possibly my new favourite from wes - GO!

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Flicks.co.nz Review

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Dominic Corry Flicks Writer

Writer/director Wes Anderson's aesthetic leanings are difficult to define (Retro cute? Solemn whimsy? Painterly theatrics?) but very recognisable. His films are all composed with the precision of a Swiss watch, but they never completely lose sight of their humanity. More

Amongst all the elegantly affected framing and disarmingly effective music cues, the neuroses and desires of actual human beings shine through. His characters rarely behave like anyone who actually exists, but they remain relatable portraits.

About half-way through Moonrise Kingdom, I feared Anderson's dedication to visual and aural splendour had overcome his ability to tell a grounded story.

That's not to say I wasn't enjoying myself. I'm all for film that are just about the aesthetics, and this felt like the 300 of art house flicks. Shallow, but a joy to behold.

As the film approached the conclusion however, a sense of underlying emotional richness began to shine through, and I was able to embrace the story on all levels. Maybe it was the youth of the leads that initially kept me at arm's length – no kids have ever talked or behaved like these two do.

Bill Murray and Frances McDormand make the absolute most of their relatively brief screen time, but the real revelation in the film's cast (beyond the insanely talented young leads) was Bruce Willis as the local Sheriff. I can't remember the last time he was this good.

As the most Wes Anderson-ish film Wes Anderson has ever made, Moonrise Kingdom won't convert any naysayers to the cause, but fans of his work will have a ball. Hide

The People's Reviews

Rating:

13 ratings and 13 reviews

All reviews (13)

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Recommended, with a few reservations.

Apple-Man Wannabe (?)

I'm a big Wes Anderson fan, and while I really liked this- I don't think it's one of his best (unlike the critics). The first half is beautifully done, but the second half relies too much on whimsy and cutesy convenience. As well, while it seems it was the aim- it was a bit soft-- I'd like to have seen more grit between the teeth.

Still, it's very funny and better than most other cinema releases.

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A Welcome Return to Wes Anderson-land

adamatdramatrain Flicks Superstar (?)

Wes Anderson - you either love his quirky, kooky, crazy style - or you want to scream at the screen: "Stop it! No more Bill Murray being lovably quirky, kooky and crazy!" Count me in the former camp and pleased as punch because 'Moonrise Kingdom' is Wes at his most quirky, kooky, Wes Andersonly best.

Set on an island off the coast of Sixties New England as off-kilter as Steve Zissou's boat in 'A Life Aquatic', a naive love story unfolds as two youngsters fall in love and run away together, causing the townsfolk to search for them. That's it. But then Anderson movies have never really been about plot and narrative, rather they require the viewer to sit back, relax and revel in the director's worldview.

As the local sheriff, Bruce Willis gives a wonderfully understated performance that reminds you of how great he can be when he forgoes the formulaic Hollywood action movie megabucks and, well, acts. Here he's as good as he was in 'The Sixth Sense' or 'Pulp Fiction' and it's a pleasure to see him flex his acting muscles and remember just how wasted he is in the likes of 'The Expendables.' As the local Scout Troop leader, Ed Norton clearly has a ball too, playing against type, in a low-key comedy role. The young leads (Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward) are supported by a stellar supporting cast in minor roles, with the likes of Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Harvey Keitel, Frances McDormand and Anderson regular, Bill Murray, all turning in suitably off-beat cameos.

Alexandre Desplat's score is suitably sumptuous, as are the visuals as framed by cinematographer Robert Yeoman, who captures Anderson's fairytale island in lush colours, which are a painterly delight to behold in all their widescreen glory. There's a vision of childhood and innocence in Anderson's work that rivals Tim Burton for sustained realization over the course of the director's work. The result is a true delight for Anderson fans. For newcomers to his world, it's a great introduction.

For haters? It's more of the same - only turned up to eleven...

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Wes Anderson at his best.

steveisatree Flicks Superstar (?)

This film was a fantastic example of what Wes Anderson can create. A cross between a beautifully, strangely shot film, with real depth behind the characters if only you can look past the quirky style and story.

Being a huge Wes fan I have to give it 5 stars... After all it was quote on quote fantastic.

For all I know this will please others who are not huge fans of his style.

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Beautiful, but forgettable

Hannah-Carter A-Lister (?)

The plot is simple; two pre-pubescent children run away from home and Scout camp respectively, while their family and friends search for them.

The children's antics mirror the freedom that the adults yearn for (particularly Frances McDormand, who is dedicated to a loveless marriage). Edward Norton's washed up Scout Leader was great. His zeal for his scout master role illustrates how so many adults strive to retain or relive their youth.

Suzy, moody and heavily eyelined, is reminiscent of a foxier young Margot Tenenbaum. Her romance with Sam is counterintuitive. They are too young to be in love or lust, but seek solace and comfort in their mutual unhappiness and dramatic natures.

Some critics have complained that this film is an incomplete view of the world. I personally enjoy this characteristic of Anderson's films. I was almost always aware that I was watching a movie, but not in a negative way. It was like admiring a great piece of art. This movie is evocative but unrealistic vision of young love.

The plot is ridiculous, but what else do you expect from a Wes Anderson film. The cinematography (Robert Yeoman) and score (Alexandre Desplat) enveloped me. I wanted to be a part of that small New England town, while being keenly aware that I am not, nor ever can be, in that world. The screenplay, written by Anderson and Roman Coppola, was sufficiently quirky, but the ending faltered in an overly dramatic fashion.

Ultimately, I judge a movie by how long it stays with me. Will I be thinking about this movie for days after seeing it? Unfortunately not. This movie is a joyous romp through the stylised, romantic childhood of our dreams. But like childhood, the details are easily forgotten.

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  • stivvy

    MIght be one of the easiest to get into!

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Enjoyable but...

Brian1 Flicks Superstar (?)

Not being a Wes Anderson afficianado, could quite get into it it. Sorry.

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Heartfelt & Whimsical

Lisa-Pedersen A-Lister (?)

Wes Anderson can be an acquired taste and I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan of his films but this one just shot into my top ten fave movies ever

Quirky & beautifully shot this film is both melancholic and hopeful. Many a teenager feels an outcast and this movie brings to the screen two great characters who we fall for and root for all the way.

Great casting and actors who are often seen in much more prominent role all help build this story with humor and understated grace.

Highly recommend

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Children's story for adults

Rob-Crozier B-Grader (?)

This is quite an unusual, quirky, film - a kind of children's story for adults (though you could safely take your junior teens). The story deals with two 12 year olds who run away together and the ensuing manhunt for them. Set in 1965, those of you who grew up through that period will remember a time of innocence and the movie reflects that. The 2 main characters are superb and the movie is rounded out by Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton and Harvey Keitel. Well worth watching. 4 stars.

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A much needed film

Jed Wannabe (?)

Moonrise Kingdom has all the quirk Wes Anderson films are famed for, and a sweetness about it that manages to capture a magic, and innocence, of youth which seems sadly missing from cinema, these days, with its preoccupation with extremes. This is a quiet, understated, film that seems to hit every note right. It never feels patronizing to children, the way many movies do - I think Anderson may remember childhood a little more honestly than most other filmmakers do. It's this understanding that distinguishes it and makes it so special, I felt the film's greatest strength was the way it built a bridge between adults and children that will make it a fantastic experience for everyone who sees it.

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A Quiet Little Masterpiece.

filmlover Flicks Superstar (?)

Wes Anderson serves up a visual feast with this whimsical tale. Some might find it over
art-directed but for me it felt like a cross between a movie and a story book, a little charmer.
Ed Norton's chain-smoking scout leader was my favourite character in an impressive list of quirky oddballs. I think most people would find something to like about this little film.

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DIFFERENT

TUBBS A-Lister (?)

It didn't quite work for me but I admire anything different.

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Manifest for the good in humans.

Gerd Flicks Superstar (?)

I did not find this movie surreal at all, to me it is an intelligent heart touching manifest
for the good in humans, backed up by a thoughtful script, excellent acting and loving
sense of humour.

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What a charmer

KatieF Flicks Superstar (?)

Loved this movie from beginning to end. Loved how the story line got more and more outrageous and implausible as it went on. Casting was prefect, story was superb. A must see movie if you love Wes Anderson or just love quirky movies.

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His best since Rushmore.

JR A-Lister (?)

This is probably Wes Anderson's best film since Rushmore. This is defiantly an excellent film that should be on everyones must watch list for the year. Having some excellent performances from the adult cast of Bill Murray, Edward Norton and Bruce Willis's strange role as Captain Sharp. But the real stand out of the film is the performance of the young cast members Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman.

A defiant must see.

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Press Reviews

Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

The success of "Moonrise Kingdom" depends on its understated gravity. None of the actors ever play for laughs or put sardonic spins on their material. Full review.

Empire (UK)

As funny, bittersweet and as distinct as you’d expect from Wes Anderson, a director who helps you know you are not alone. Terrific performances from sprogs to stars and a lovely sense of the sorrow and joy of growing up. Full review.

Guardian (UK)

A very charming, beautifully wrought, if somehow depthless film - eccentric but heartfelt, and thought through to the tiniest, quirkiest detail in the classic Anderson style. Full review.

Hollywood Reporter

This is a Wes Anderson film -- more lightweight than some, possessing a stronger emotional undertow than others -- that will strike the uninitiated as conspicuously arch. Full review.

Little White Lies (UK)

Primarily, this is a film to be savoured for it’s hyper-ornate visual schemes: each one more splendid and breathtaking than the previous. Full review.

New York Times

Breezes along with a beautifully coordinated admixture of droll humor, deadpan and slapstick. Full review.

Time Out New York

Anderson's romantic fantasia is after something much more complicated and profound-an ever-renewing balance between the hopes of youth and the disappointments of age. Full review.

Total Film (UK)

Non-fans might call it over-familiar comfort cinema but with the craft so loving and new elements so well-integrated, his singular pitch remains a thing to cherish. Full review.