Captain Fantastic (2016)

“We’re defined by our actions, not our words.” – Kielyr

Number of Times Seen – 1 (14 Nov 2016)

Brief Synopsis – A family living away from society in the woods of the Pacific Northwest must re-join society when they journey to a family event.

My Take on it – This film definitely has a very interesting premise and as a parent, I can really understand where they are coming from here.

Viggo Mortensen is great as the father who must decide what is the best way to raise his kids.

I really liked the way that they try to show the differences between beng book smart and street smart affects all of them on their journey.

The film constantly surprises us with its use of anachronisms for the family since they really aren’t as familiar with modern society as most people we all know are.

The diverse ways of parenting are handled quite well and the scene about the Bill of Rights is one that made me think of my own kids because the scene shows so much truth about the younger generation of today.

This added theme helps make this film stand out because it isn’t just a film about someone integrating into our society with little experience as to how to do so, but rather it shows a family who based on their education ad upbringing actually choose to live differently.

The one problem I had with this film is that there are a few scenes that go on a bit much even after we’ve understood the point.

Bottom Line – Interesting premise that feels like it goes on a bit too much.  Mortensen is great as the patriarch of this family who shun the ways of society. It’s nice to see the way that the family is book smart, but still lack real “normal” human interactions and how that affects them on their journey.  Story is filled with anachronisms the whole way through and it’s interesting to discover what the family really knows and understands while on their quest.  Liked the way that this film deals with diverse ways of parenting which gives it the ability to be seen as a lesson in parenting as opposed to just a film about an eccentric family trying to cope with society. Recommended!

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Matt Ross said that experiences with parenting inspired him to make this film. (From IMDB)

Rating – Globe Worthy

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