In Wes Anderson’s quirky coming of age story “Moonrise Kingdom,” it’s hard to tell who is actually coming, going and of age.
The adults are a little childish, the children are a bit too grown up and everyone is a little bit crazy.
When the possibly mentally deranged (he lights things on fire in his sleep), 12-year-old, orphan Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) runs away from Camp Ivanhoe he turns the idyllic island of New Penzance on its head.
And when the young love interest, Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward), a girl with anger issues, joins his journey, well you know this is going to be an interesting tale.
Pursued by local law enforcement and Sam’s armed and dangerous, former troop of Khaki Scouts; the young couple seeks refuge in a small cove they name “Moonrise Kingdom.” The calm before the storm, they are soon discovered and taken back to their respective homes. Suzy is dragged home by her Mom (Frances McDormand) and Dad (Bill Murray). While Sam is collected by Scout Master Ward (Edward Norton) and Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis), and sent to await his fate at the hands of Social Services (Tilda Swinton).
Of course, it doesn’t end here. A change of heart, a quick boat ride, a rushed marriage, a flood and a lightning strike later, some are a little happier and all are a bit wiser.
The brilliant duo of Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward as Sam and Suzy, steal the show as the young pair of outcasts. The two young actors are honest and inspiring. Their story of young love is sweet, even if it does get a little outrageous at times.
It’s a theatrical, over-the-top telling of the classic boy meets girl story, but it’s done well. With a phenomenal cast, great soundtrack and surprising story, this film is a refreshing break from the summer cinema.
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