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Moonrise Kingdom

Play trailer 1:54 Poster for Moonrise Kingdom PG-13 Released Jun 29, 2012 1h 34m Comedy Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 268 Reviews 86% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
The year is 1965, and the residents of New Penzance, an island off the coast of New England, inhabit a community that seems untouched by some of the bad things going on in the rest of the world. Twelve-year-olds Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) have fallen in love and decide to run away. But a violent storm is approaching the island, forcing a group of quirky adults (Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray) to mobilize a search party and find the youths before calamity strikes.
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Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom

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Critics Consensus

Warm, whimsical, and poignant, the immaculately framed and beautifully acted Moonrise Kingdom presents writer/director Wes Anderson at his idiosyncratic best.

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Critics Reviews

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Carmen Rios Autostraddle Charming, enveloping, seriously funny, and beautiful. Jun 10, 2021 Full Review Nick James Sight & Sound Moonrise Kingdom makes a winning appeal to the precious joys of the pre-teen imagination circa 1965. Aug 30, 2017 Full Review David Thomson The New Republic The film is frequently funny, always elegant (or mock-elegant), and something that would make Humbert Humbert laugh all the way to his asylum. Jun 17, 2013 Full Review Chase Hutchinson The Stranger (Seattle, WA) Wes Anderson often gets (unfairly) pigeonholed as a one-note whimsy machine, but he proves he is so much more in the brilliant Moonrise Kingdom, where we see his habitual sweetness offset with somberness. Jul 25, 2024 Full Review Michael Leader Den of Geek Anderson finds something that has often been lost among his pitch-perfect aesthetic and clinical composition: warmth. Rated: 4/5 May 7, 2024 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews A typically quirky and erratic Wes Anderson effort... Rated: 2.5/4 Jul 13, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Benji D Moonrise Kingdom, is a delightful dive into childhood adventure and nascent love. While its unique aesthetic and whimsical tone might initially suggest "style over substance" or a slow burn, the film ultimately delivers a charming and rewatchable experience. The narrative centers on a heartwarming, if unconventional, romance between two young protagonists who find an unexpected connection amidst challenging circumstances. Their journey of self-discovery and the desire for belonging drives much of the story. The film expertly captures the essence of coming-of-age adventures and young love, portraying their bond as something both earnest and profoundly unique. One of Moonrise Kingdom's most defining characteristics is its adherence to a "children's book fantasy" quality. This stylistic choice profoundly influences how the film handles potentially heavy themes. While the young characters face their own set of difficulties, the movie often addresses these challenges with a certain lightheartedness, similar to how classic children's literature presents obstacles as catalysts for adventure rather than subjects for deep psychological dissection. This approach means that emotional depth, while present, is often delivered with a certain detached, almost theatrical distance characteristic of Anderson's work. For some viewers, this might feel like a missed opportunity for a more profound emotional impact. However, it also allows the film to maintain its unique whimsicality and focus squarely on the immediate adventure and the innocent determination of its young heroes. This deliberate choice also contributes to the film's ultimately uplifting conclusion. Despite the desire for slightly more emotional exploration, Moonrise Kingdom stands out as a highly rewatchable film. Its meticulous visuals, quirky humor, endearing performances, and unique tone make it a comforting and enjoyable experience to revisit. It's a film that knows precisely what it wants to be, executing its vision with remarkable precision and artistry. It leaves viewers with a warm feeling and a smile, cementing its place as a beloved entry in Wes Anderson's distinctive filmography. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/23/25 Full Review Paul S Another masterpiece from Wes Anderson. Not only was the movie absolutely hilarious, but it was really heartwarming too. I definitely recommend it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/22/25 Full Review Julian Rex M It occasionally struggles to maintain thematic consistency within Wes Anderson's precisely stylized zaniness, but Moonrise Kingdom nonetheless manages to convey a remarkable, highly comedic message about the beauty of adventure that is endorsed by Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman's standout performances. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/18/25 Full Review Faiz D " I want go on adventures I think--not get stuck in one place." -- Innocent, beautiful, funny, and full of quirks all at the same time. Moonrise Kingdom is a whimsical piece of work. The whole cast is great, the music is great, and the cinematography is beautiful. Overall, it is quite simply one of the most delightful cinematic adventures I have had in a long time. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/13/25 Full Review Amelia H In my opinion, one of Wes Anderson's worst films. It follows his usual styles very well and the colour scheme, costume and casting are all good, but I feel as though the characters very specifically Suzy is much too similar to Margot Tenenbaum for my liking. It felt almost too similar, whether this was intended or not it felt too similar for me to enjoy this 'different' character. I also felt the plot very much lacked any sort of major twists or turns and felt very flat throughout, up until the very end where all of the action hit all at once. I did not enjoy this movie. It is worth a watch for any Wes Anderson lovers, but if you do not like his style I can say this film is an easy skip. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 05/04/25 Full Review Carlos I It's an enchanting foray into the whimsical world of Wes Anderson, showcasing his signature style with a delightful blend of quirky characters and a nostalgic setting. Set against the backdrop of a lush, idyllic island, the film masterfully captures the innocence of young love through the eyes of two young runaways, Sam and Suzy. Anderson's meticulous attention to detail and vibrant color palette create a dreamlike atmosphere that enhances the film's charm. With its heartfelt storytelling and delightful idiosyncrasies, "Moonrise Kingdom" stands out as one of Anderson's most captivating works, offering warmth and a sense of wonder that lingers long after the credits roll. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/28/25 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis The year is 1965, and the residents of New Penzance, an island off the coast of New England, inhabit a community that seems untouched by some of the bad things going on in the rest of the world. Twelve-year-olds Sam (Jared Gilman) and Suzy (Kara Hayward) have fallen in love and decide to run away. But a violent storm is approaching the island, forcing a group of quirky adults (Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray) to mobilize a search party and find the youths before calamity strikes.
Director
Wes Anderson
Producer
Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales, Jeremy Dawson
Screenwriter
Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola
Distributor
Focus Features
Production Co
American Empirical Pictures, Indian Paintbrush
Rating
PG-13 (Smoking|Sexual Content)
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 29, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 10, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA)
$45.5M
Runtime
1h 34m
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