Moonrise Kingdom: REVIEW

Directed by Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom is an indie dramedy that is loaded with heart, a quirky charm and adorable humor. Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) is an orphan and a member of the Khaki Scouts, a summer camp led by Scout Master Ward (portrayed by the ever-wonderful Edward Norton). He is the movie's protagonist, who ends up running away to be with his true love, Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward) in the summer of 1965 on the island of New Penzance. The two had been pen pals for months, bonding over their unhappiness with their lives, after meeting at a school performance of Noah's Ark. The movie tells the story of this twelve year old pair of misfits' romance, after they run away into the wilderness. It also details their struggle to stay together, as the local police (led by Bruce Willis), the Khaki Scouts and Suzy's parents are all looking for them.


Moonrise Kingdom was a beautiful work of cinema. For any that think the quality of movies is in decline, get off the computer now and see this film. The characters were memorable, and it was a child fantasy come true. Moonrise Kingdom was refreshing, clever and witty. Probably the best movie I’ve seen this year! Edward Norton gave a stunning performance as a very child-like man who is innocent and sweet, and the two younger principle characters (Gilman and Hayward) were equally cute and awkward. Anderson's best film to date.


Rating: 96 percent