Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom There was a torrential downpour and I was in it. I was devastated to realize that I was at the wrong film. I had no intention of seeing this picture. I had seen many previews and determined it was not for me. I guess you really can’t judge a book by its cover. It was creative, witty and very original. The time is 1965 and the place is the New England coast. The bizarre story is mainly told by two 12 year olds. Sam is an unusual young boy. He has been foster child and it hasn’t worked out. In fact the family doesn’t want him any more. He is in a Boy Scout troupe and is not liked there at all. He is friends with Suzy and they run off together. Suzy lives with her bizarre parents. (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand) Her three younger brothers seem like the perfect little boys. They are a contrast to the weird Suzy. She walks around with her binoculars around her neck, her knee socks and her too tight dress. Her blue eye makeup is so overdone. The Boy Scout troupe is a riot. The leader smokes and allows behaviors that are totally ridiculous. One boy works with explosives. The fun begins when the Boy Scout troupe begins to search for Suzy and Sam. Suzy and Sam are also totally ridiculous but a riot. They run away carrying a suitcase and other items. They seem to have so much fun together. They dance in their underwear and seem so comfortable with one another. The story is sad/funny. The adults all seem mixed up. The two rebels are strange but know what they want and are comfortable with it all. It is quite cast and they all perform so well. Bruce Willis plays the part of the police man. Edward Norton is the ridiculous scout leader. This is a story of youth rebellion. The teens know what they want and set out to live their life in their way. They rebel against the adults and the norms of society. They cause no harm to anyone in their pursuit. There is so much humor but underlying the comedy is a serious side of two individuals who are struggling to find their way. I was totally surprised by this film. The previews did not work for me but the film certainly did.