Review of Captain Fantastic (2016) by T24K R — 30 Jul 2016

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC-2016(R)-July 30.

By:Clem The Movie Guy.

Despite the title, Captain Fantastic is not a super-hero movie but more the story of an anti-hero coming to terms with the consequences of his convictions. Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortenson plays Ben, a free-spirited father raising his six children, rigorously home schooling them in politics & philosophy as well as survival skills, off-the-grid, in the wilds of Washington state. Unfortunately their lifestyle has not helped his wife Leslie (Trin Miller) in her struggles with bi-polar disorder as Ben hoped & while hospitalized, she kills herself. Ben & the children embark on a road trip to Albuquerque, NM, to attend her funeral & assure that her final wishes are realized, putting themselves in conflict with family & social norms of the outside world. Written & directed by Matt Ross, Captain Fantastic is as often spiritually uplifting as it is disturbing to watch the conflict between ideals & the reality of human frailty. The performances from Viggo Mortenson & six young actors playing his children were excellent. Frank Langella was solid as Ben's father-in-law. I wouldn't be surprised to see Viggo receive award consideration for this role. SEE THIS FILM.