At first glance, Matt Ross' Captain Fantastic appears to be yet another low-budget independent, festival-friendly effort from a former actor that employs a 'quirky' sensibility and approach to humor, as well as roughing up a popular actor and having them play against type. Yet this tale of a family raised as survivalists by their liberal father who is attempting to shield them from the consumerist society he loathes is one of the most touching films of the year, and one that is careful not to over-simplify the difficult subject matter of how to raise your kids.
Viggo plays a very unlikable likable father. It's easy to fall into line here and like him unconditionally, but if one reflects on what he is putting his kids through, you begin to resent him. That said, he has mostly admirable qualities of which all of his kids represent in some fashion. Each of his children has adopted one aspect of their father's personality and amplified it within their own. From rebelliousness to nurturing, from strength to wisdom, from quirkiness to conviction.
It's main plot addresses the struggle when everyone has the best intentions but not the same values. Additionally, the film makes honest and straightforward comments on controversial issues in today's society that are often taboo in the media such as mental illness, the hypocrisy of children's exposure to violence and sex, religion, and the flaws in the American education system.
This movie is decorated by beautiful cinematography, because of beautiful shots of nature, but also there are shots of urban cities and industry, in comparison of those shots is point of this movie. Viggo Mortensen fits his character like a glove and his performance as Ben Cash was very convincing. For the most part the same holds for the rest of the cast, they all seemed to be having a lot of fun which helped cement the feeling that they were all one big happy family.
The writing was also very good. The screenplay was funny at times, but also sad at times. The funny parts were subtle and creative. There weren't any poo jokes like in almost every comedy these days. The sad parts were mostly commentary on the world we live in today. The movie brings up a lot of topics to think about, which I very much liked. It also doesn't give a one sided view on our reality.
This movie is everything a movie needs to be. First Viggo was amazing. He absolutely killed this role. The screenplay was just beautiful and perfect. This movie roasts the world, politics, and religion. This movie opens up the truth about everything.
7.9/10 - IMDb
82% - Rotten Tomatoes
72%- Metacritic
8/10 - Verdict
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