Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Typically quirky Wes Anderson dramedy has lots of heart.
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Why Age 14+?
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Moonrise Kingdom
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say this film is a beautifully crafted and unique coming-of-age story that captures the innocence and complexities of young love while showcasing Wes Anderson's distinctive style. Many appreciate the emotional depth and engaging performances, particularly by the young leads, though there are mixed feelings about its appropriateness for younger viewers due to subtle references to romance and mild themes of violence and parental issues.
- unique storytelling
- emotional depth
- suitable for teens
- mild romance
- charming performances
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 66 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is beautifully quirky, filled with charming characters and stunning cinematography, perfect for older tweens and teens. While it includes some mild swearing, a dog’s death, and awkward scenes involving young love, many reviewers appreciate its unique storytelling and humor, recommending it for ages 12 and up, but with caution for younger viewers.
- quirky storytelling
- stunning cinematography
- mild inappropriate content
- suitable for teens
- young love themes
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
From the moment they set eyes on each other -- during a 1964 church pageant where she was dressed as a raven on Noah's ark and he was in a furry hat and khaki scout uniform -- Suzy (Kara Hayward) and Sam (Jared Gilman) knew they were made for each other. Suzy's parents think she's a "troubled" child; Sam lives in a foster home with "parents" who barely foster him. But in each other, they find a soulmate -- or at least a best friend -- and Suzy asks Sam to write to her. A year later, they decide to run away together to a special cove they christen Moonrise Kingdom, setting off a search party that includes Suzy's unhappily married parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand), the lonely police chief (Bruce Willis), and a hapless, earnest khaki scout leader (Edward Norton).
Is It Any Good?
MOONRISE KINGDOM is precious. It's also almost stiflingly stylized, an elliptical concoction with odd characters and peculiar storylines and overly, specifically gorgeous set design that strains the senses. But it still shines like a well-cut gem, with delicate layers and exquisite characters that live in a world you've never seen before but don't mind visiting and a plot that sneaks up on you with quiet heartbreak.
The two young leads, Hayward and Gilman, are keepers; they're so unaffected that they're effective -- they seem like real people asking hard questions and struggling to connect and be grounded in a world in which adults are moorless. They're each other's match in the funky ark meant to survive this rain-soaked world experiencing its own flood. Anderson is an auteur. To see his films is to give yourself over to his singular, sometimes claustrophobic vision. But with Moonrise Kingdom, surrendering to Andersonland is a pleasure. Don't think about it too much; allow yourself to be engulfed.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Moonrise Kingdom is saying about the adults in these children's lives. Why do they seem so hapless? Are any of them role models?
Are Wes Anderson's movies funny, sad, or both. Why? How is his style of comedy different from other filmmakers'? How is this movie similar to and different from his other films?
Why are Sam and Suzy drawn to each other? What do they offer each other? Do they seem like real 12-year-olds?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 25, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : October 16, 2012
- Cast : Bruce Willis , Edward Norton , Jared Gilman , Kara Hayward
- Director : Wes Anderson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content and smoking
- Last updated : February 7, 2026
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