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

age 12+

Based on 15 parent reviews

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.
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.

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.

Movie Details

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