Parents' Guide to

Moonrise Kingdom

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Typically quirky Wes Anderson dramedy has lots of heart.

Movie PG-13 2012 94 minutes
Moonrise Kingdom Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

See all
age 12+

Based on 15 parent reviews

RonjasMom
RonjasMom Adult
October 1, 2019
age 12+

Lovely movie

I didn't watch it with a child, but I would with a child age 12 (maybe even 11) or older.
1 person found this helpful.
bbbbarry
bbbbarry Adult
May 5, 2019
age 17+

Terrific movie - for grown-ups

Just because it has kids *in* it doesn't mean it's a *kids'* movie. This is one of those. •• If you hate Wes Anderson, you'll hate this. If you don't mind Wes Anderson, you'll probably like it a lot — it's his best, I think. Along with all the oddball awkward humor and pathos, this one has heart, and is made by someone who understands why we go to the movies. ••••• The reason I'm posting here is this: it simply isn't for your kids. Wait till they're older. But, on a night away from your kids, *you* should watch it and remember what it's like to be a kid again. The operatic emotionalism, the everyone-an-outsider, the experience of needing real adult tending and care, but also recognition for your growing competence and independence: it's all there, and it'll make you a better and more understanding parent!! Meanwhile, do your kids a favor and get them "Benji" or something. This one's for adults. ••••• I'm not going to click on any of the buttons, because there *isn't* too much violence or sex or swearing or drinking or smoking, but those components are there, and — again — this movie just isn't really appropriate for kids under 17 or 18. (They won't *reeeeeally* dig the movie till they're over 21, probably.)
1 person found this helpful.
See all 15 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (15):
Kids say (72):

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

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended movie lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate