Captain Fantastic - Official Movie Review

Captain Fantastic starring Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, and Kathryn Hahn is reviewed by Matt Atchity (Rotten Tomatoes) and Alonso Duralde (TheWrap and Linoleum Knife podcast).
Read what other critics had to say: www.rottentomatoes.com/m/capt...
Deep in the forests of the Pacific Northwest, isolated from society, a devoted father (Viggo Mortensen) dedicates his life to transforming his six young children into extraordinary adults. But when a tragedy strikes the family, they are forced to leave this self-created paradise and begin a journey into the outside world that challenges his idea of what it means to be a parent and brings into question everything he's taught them.
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[@Vasto000]

Guys, you can't use word "interesting" when you describing this movie;)

[@amenhonestly2120]

Gacek I see what you did there 😏👌🏻

[@yolodomi5096]

hah exactly my thought ! :D

[@klimtklavier]

unique

[@eriseldplaku]

It's a non-word

[@jpt3675]

best quote in the movie - "Americans are under-educated and over-medicated."

[@therabbi9848]

They are educated rather well by the world standard.

[@gavinvales8928]

The False Rabbi yes, but their relative prowess in terms of wealth doesn't match their relative prowess in education.

[@sonsofliberty0788]

The False Rabbi just because we have good schools doesnt mean we are all educated. The statement is absolutely true.

[@Pravasith]

It's Power to the people, stick it to the man!

[@yespls4184]

Self-righteous

[@theshakter]

This is a Movie with a pure heart. Really had me thought provoked

[@jewell33]

I loved this movie so much. You're right in saying it didn't force you to think a certain way but it really made you think. It was well done, I watched it in a little art theatre in New Zealand and everyone was crying and laughing.

[@seleneashewood1785]

After I saw this I deemed it my favorite movie. It's insightful, it's original and despite the below average budget it was executed fucking amazingly

[@mordicus11]

S Writer it's my favorite movie too, it has changed my mind on a lot of things and made me reflect on so many problems in my life, I didn't know that a movie could have such an impact on me

[@Phi1618033]

This movie was made by the guy who plays Gavin Belson in Silicon Valley. Let that sink in for a minute.

[@chadum96]

Didn't know he was a director

[@brightmal]

He did a great job of playing a really messed up guy in Big Love, also.

[@GuiiBrazil]

holy cow!!!!!!

[@maynardvargas6898]

wtf. really?

[@WillFoxification]

And it worked out beautifully somehow. I think this is a 10/10 film. I think there a lot of things to really like here. I went over them in my own review.

[@HitoKunioka]

This movie is so great. I hope many people will go see it.

[@CrisSevieri]

hahaha, I see what you did there

[@WillFoxification]

I just now got a chance to see it and it was indeed fantastic :)

[@Kariakas]

Much better storytelling than most movies these days. I'm just thrilled when I get characters that ring true and act naturally.

[@MyTubeIsBetter20]

that thumbnail looks like a Wes Anderson movie.

[@vespertinnee]

it really does, good eye

[@CarSVernon]

so does their score!

[@ridddgggedchippes]

Okay, good, I'm not alone. I literally clicked this thinking, "Oh, Wes Anderson made a new movie?"

[@theolamp5312]

+MyTubelsBetter20 - Yes. Both this film and Hunt for the Wilderpeople owe a lot to Wes Anderson. And, I absolutely loved both films. Along with Sing Street, they are my favorite films of 2016. Hell and High Water is also a great film, but those 3 are my favorites.

[@badnews9312]

I thought it was a great film. For me, it only reinforced the idea that the middle path is really the most sensible path for one to follow throughout this journey we call life - when anything is taken to the extreme, negative consequences can undoubtedly be expected. It really is in keeping with Buddhist thought - a philosophy the dead wife apparently identified with strongly even though she herself could not find that balance she so desperately needed . Through her death she is finally heard. Her message and its meanings finally passed on to not only her children but also to her husband, "Captain Fantastic. Although he knew she identified herself as a Buddhist, he still, with all his book learning, never really understood what that meant. However, like his children, his wife's death ultimately wakes him up to this most important life lesson - that the middle path is always the best path to follow if you hope to live a balanced life, one which will leave you open to an abundance of options. Viggo Mortensen was brilliant as usual and I also found the screenplay to be unique and very appropriate for our age given how fast technology is changing how we humans live and interact with one another.

[@ocamtille9114]

badnews But the question to be asked is where should the middle path ideally cross.

[@badnews9312]

that can only be answered by each individual after years of self-analysis while at the same time trying to establish within one's own life a greater sense of connection to the whole, to finally be rid of duality for once and for all........everyone's middle way will differ accordingly...

[@sudevsen]

Vigo is a god

[@MarcosIsABaritone]

Barf

[@beastboy-pz8wx]

ɷɷɷɷ I Haveeee Watched Thissss Movieeee Leakeddd Versionn Here : - t.co/SjZpZXw5gt

[@WillFoxification]

Damn right he is! One of the most underrated actors in the game.

[@JozieLeePro]

This is the kind of movie I'd like to see late at night all by myself. Thanks for the review.

[@l.k.2355]

I like the WTF reviews a lot... but showing part of the trailer, talking about the movie, then showing another part of the trailer before the review feels redundant and kills the momentum at the start.

[@scottieturner.]

skip the trailer segment

[@t0dd000]

Tremendous film. And I know people very nearly like this. Not to this extreme, but yeah... Super advanced, and utterly competent children at a very early age, though not as removed from society... And the kids nailed it... Not sure how they got so much out of such young actors. A very nuanced film that will have you thinking long after the credits.

[@movietella]

Fun fact: Director Matt Ross had the actors who played the six fictional children sign a contract promising not to bring any electronic devices on set, and to "keep processed foods and sugars to a minimum."

[@Pablo123456x]

This movie is so perfect Viggo even drinks "mate" at the end ❤️

[@trancehead140]

This film has not received the attention it deserves at all IMO. Amazing movie. Very unique and risky to make as well.

[@jonabank]

Saw it yesterday- awesome movie that makes you reflect upon your view on life.

[@ThomYorkesHead]

The trailer made the movie look terrible but this review changed my mind.

[@klimtklavier]

Yeah trailer too 'Lebowski With Kids' looking...

[@theolamp5312]

I expected to like this film. I actually ended up loving it. I especially loved the child actors. The 2 eldest daughters are great. But, great work by all involved.

[@ryanburks1314]

This movie is amazing. Possibly best picture material. I hope it gets the nominations it deserves.

[@sethwoodhouse4797]

this movie is..... fantastic (no it actually is)

[@mrsrockonme]

Alonso!! Welcome back, sir!

[@TheOneAboveAll]

The Lolita reference is how society's rules dictate what is acceptable behavior, not one's personal preference. Although living away from society allowed them to advance greatly academically, it crippled them socially. I thought it was a pretty good movie. They could have left out the whole part of when they gave the mother the burial she wanted though.

[@klimtklavier]

Honestly. Guns N Roses ? ICK. Neither parent would have been too into them unless they were high school sophmores if you do the math. Especially in the Pacific Northwest. Nirvana definitely. maybe even "All Apologies". Kurt and Courtney taking on Axl's stupidity backstage at the MTV awards: "Get your woman inn line." "Yeah, woman, get in line." *Courtney six inches taller than AXl in white satin with baby Frances in her arms laughing at his dumbass behavior. Kurt Cobain would have loomed larger. Just sayin'. Hi Axil ! Hi Axl !

[@klimtklavier]

And to add to that ramble :Viggo Mortensen was Exene's second husband. He knows about punk rock firsthand. He married the Quuen of LA Punk and had a son with her. no X in the movie kind of blows. If you don't know who X are go find them. You will love them. Viggo is very comfortable livin very alternatively. If your wife is still working with her first husband and you guys have your kids on the same day in the same hospital there is a link there not many people could do. Viggo lived a very unusual life before he was famous. Exene showed him the ropes.

[@Pierre-dz3ut]

klimtklavier Are you saying the parents were to young to like Guns N Roses?

[@falkofscrum]

"Unless it comes out of a fucking book, I don't know anything about anything!!!". I guarantee that there are A LOT of young people graduating college that have trouble finding a job out on the other side, that will relate to that.

[@ulalagowska8336]

I really enjoyed it.the analysis is spot on. But what bothered me was kind of "Deus ex machina" ending. Why is Bo going suddenly to Namibia? How does the family end up.on the farm? Do they get on well not with the grandparents now? I guess I expected something more dramatic at the end.

[@TheFootyCast_]

Sounds interesting, I'll have to keep my eye out for this one for sure

[@bandgeek89]

one major thing the film never answered, when and how did Ben get custody of his kids again?

[@theolamp5312]

+bandgeek89 - I don't think Ben ever lost custody of his kids. He just thought that the kids would be better off with their grandparents. So, he left them with them. Then, as often happens in this movie, the kids take control and stowaway to be with their dad.

[@lorenzorossi6093]

The violence of this film is hidden in the beauty.Reminds me of Derek Cianfrance his movies are an experience

[@nderezic]

It looks as if the director couldn't make his mind what kind of a movie he wanted to create. The result is that the movie has a lot of well done parts, which don't work very well together and don't form a coherent story.

[@kamuimosir92]

It is the story of a family of communists. The mother has a mental problem and after some treatments commits suicide. The family go out into the world to tend to their mother's last rites. It's a road film/journey and a lot of fun watching the fish-out-of-water antics of these little übermensch children go there and back again. Just like Bilbo Baggins, see? If you were confused by this film... I donno man. Go read the Bill of Rights.

[@nderezic]

What are communists?

[@therabbi9848]

Anti-capitalists basically. Don't recommend it. Every time it has been tried in the past has turned into that country's greatest disaster.

[@therabbi9848]

@Giovanna Thomas Communism has been attempted in many countries but has never been achieved

[@anomilumiimulimona2924]

I find it interesting that im watching the movie on dvd, and wanted a cinemasins, but found this, started watching it and it crossed exactly on the discussion of Lolita. I had totally forgot about this scene.

[@ryangettig274]

I think the catherine deneuve-Daniel Auteil film your thinking of Alonso,is Ma saison Prefere'!

[@CitizenDevi]

Just saw it and loved it! I could relate so much but even if I couldn't have... it would have still been amazing. Very special to me already and I'll be seeing it again fairly soon. Wow.

[@AantakiRaisa]

I know it's way late to talk about this movie but I watched it only recently. I LOVED the movie but one thing is not feeling right. So, Bodevan gets accepted to all the Ivy league schools, yet he finally goes to see the world which kind of reinforces his dad, Ben's worldview and view on the American education system (previously reinforced in the "bill of rights" scene). Yet in the end, the five other children seem to be getting ready for school?? Doesn't feel coherent! Why does Ben allow Bodevan to reject the established academia while sending his younger ones to schools? Aren't the kids way ahead of their respective grades anyway?

[@TheOneAboveAll]

I think it's the best way he knows of how to get them into society.

[@7teenagesmokers309]

Bodevan had already grown up into who he was already going to be, yet his father had a second chance to give the younger ones a shot at what Bodevan should have gotten.

[@klimtklavier]

Beh realized he has sheltered them from the reality they will eventually have to deal with and at the end of the movie he has adjusted his views on raising the kids by seeing what he wasn't teaching them would mes them up. A step towards the norm while still maintaining sustainable living and self sufficiency after their journey is what Benlearns. Luckily he is still open to being shown he isn't perfect either.

[@alexanderforbes1452]

Talking about Matt Ross without mentioning Silicon Valley?

[@Yahziboy]

Watched this twice. SPOILERS BELOW. Neither one mentions that Ben, the father, orchestrates an elaborate shoplifting scheme and even critiques it afterwards. they steal food from a supermarket. How is this a good thing to teach children? My whole opinion of the father's noble experiment changed after that. Also, these guys point out the fallibility of the grandfather's point of view. Never saw that beyond the fact that he is simply a member of society. I suppose his dismissal of Ben's positive influence would be a flaw. I expected to see a legal tussle in the end. I suppose they just went sort of underground and hid from the grandfather in stead. Guess that's an OK ending.

[@ericmiller5603]

I liked it overall but think "Mosquito Coast" with Harrison Ford and River Phoenix is a stronger treatment of the "family off the grid" theme. I found the resolution of this movie to be somewhat predictable and unsatisfying. I didn't want a court battle but I didn't like the grandparents' story simply abandoned because the kids loved their dad.

[@ryangettig274]

Agreed about The Mosquito Coast-one of my favorites!:)

[@Yahziboy]

Sorry, but this political argument should not be "carried out" by stealing. There's a reason we don't steal. The store owner would simply quit supplying. Then what happens? Your idea has merit but must be implemented by first convincing society. Granted, that's a tall order.

[@therabbi9848]

If you didn't charge for it nobody would make it. "There is no such thing as a free lunch" -Milton Friedman. In fact, the countries with plenty of food tend to be the ones who send it to impoverished areas.

[@klimtklavier]

TRUMP steals and was taught to steal from birth. My parents were broke when we were kids and we did live as far off the grid as they could get us and still have jobs... we had ways we were taught to confuse cops and obtain what was needed... Operation Free The Food doesn't offend me at all. What offends me is the food desert I live in here in NE PA where the fracking is and the pipeline is and the carpetbaggers blowing the price of food at the shite tiny grocery store in town... "Stick It To The Man" is the system. Fuck the system. "Power To The People" scares the shit out of The Man and people like father Ben don't ascribe to moral absolutes. A person can't. Also his partner having bipolar disorder that badly means Ben was having to care for her as well as keep the kids on schedule and deal with someone with a severe mental illness. Only one thing was not said in the movie that should have been : Bipolar is hereditary. I don' t have biological children because it is all through my father's side of the family. Somewhere along the line both parents would have found out that our very flawed medical system did find the causal link for bipolar and they either should have stopped procreating or started making damn sure the kids would address symptoms of bipolar as they hit puberty. Just my two cents. I loved this movie as did my brother. We high fived and also cried. It brought back a lot of our very fucked up childhood and some things our parents taught us.

[@lavalamp625]

Anyone else think of Little Miss Sunshine throughout?

[@kamuimosir92]

I liked that film too, but I related more with this one (Unfortunately just the social maladjustment parts) Both to be filed with Brazilian film The Middle of the World

[@thelousyllama]

VStodder because they were on a van?

[@klimtklavier]

It occurred to me but not while watching it the first time. I loved that movie too.

[@straightfromthecommentsect5346]

I mean I really really like this movie.I never heard about till today.A breathe of freash air. Amazing

[@ahmedramadan4604]

Hi from Egypt, thanks for the review!

[@katelynsmith61]

Why are there so many things called Captain Fantastic? This movie, the Elton John album, that series of spy sketches in Do Not Adjust Your Set... any more?

[@Dutchman4real]

saw it yesterday in the cinema. love it!

[@klimtklavier]

Did it stick ? LOL

[@-phantazm8949]

This movie had so much potential

[@wgjung1]

I can't believe the didn't know Hooli's CEO

[@speak-easyconversations1393]

This is the kind of movie where you tell someone. "Don't watch the trailer just watch the flick. Top 10 favorite movies for sure.

[@AurioDK]

Does it have a happy ending? No spoilers.

[@fivws]

Disney ending

[@Hauerization]

"Captain Fantastic" is what I refer to as "porn for single middle-aged women".

[@andrewdeen1]

Frank Langella is amazing in absolutely everything

[@dmc8092]

Yay! Alonso's back!

[@2ndSTG]

You guys did a great job at being very neutral and typical.

[@anndrezzz4483]

Is feels so lonely watching where's Ben and Christy?????

[@AnEvolvingApe]

This movie deserves one of those bald headed gold statues... EXCESSIVE WASTE OF RESOURCES! LOL!

[@bbbushhh]

Good review.....spot on in fact. The backlash against this film is generated by peoples notion that there MUST be a hero and a villain....unlike real life where that virtually never is the case.

[@harshkingxli]

I was afraid it would turn out something psychological thriller but I'm glad it becomes wholesome ❤️.

[@annaairahala9462]

wholesome?? It's pretty disturbing Thought bringing up Lolita was a good meta-analysis early on in the show

[@harshkingxli]

@@annaairahala9462 idk but he's teaching them in a different way.

[@LifeLift421]

You guys are describing the movie. We can watch the movie for that. Is this movie realistic? No one has a job or a means of making money yet they have a house and land at the end of the movie with a garden and chickens. I don’t know where these guys are but in my universe money is needed for these things. What is the point of this movie? If someone can help me please explain. I too would love to not work and live in a free house on land that is mine. I don’t think this movie is realistic at all. Good idea but ......

[@greenfistnine]

How did Matt lose all that weight???

[@insimilecupitre]

"At least it comes from a book. I dont know anything!"

[@fluff975]

loved this.

[@BCNeil]

SO they finally ate the chick?

[@nanobox6538]

Interesting.

[@ferg9317]

Instant classic

[@amelmahmoud8221]

BEAUTIFUL MOVIE

[@GuiiBrazil]

Amazing movie with an amazing message.

[@straightfromthecommentsect5346]

Just watched this movie and it touch my heart ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@gypsyautumnstorm7736]

I agree. if I could have, but tbh, I'm not as intelligent as he his. but I want to be.

[@theolamp5312]

I loved this movie, even though people whose opinion i usually respect were put off by it.

[@anthonydelorme2797]

Is it just me who thinks Alonso looks sad in this video?

[@G0000N]

I watch this movie while high and accepted nihilism as the ultimate truth

[@DavidHernandez-ug9gb]

underrated flick

[@digontozahid]

Viggo mortensen is class in this

[@woosix7735]

Why are you stealing from supermarkets?

[@sterlingramington7779]

the return of the king

[@manjulanilsson6011]

Today is Noam Chomsky day! 😊

[@TheSpiritOfTheTimes]

Yaaaay!

[@jettcadet]

This was an amazing movie

[@ThePeteralonzo83]

Damn Matt has lost alot of weight

[@LionsGateCorp]

Yeah, it's great and hopefully the idea will rub off on Alonso.

[@MarcosIsABaritone]

+Merlin Ti Dayyum, girl! You didn't have to come for Alonsa like that!

[@wedgeantilles1498]

I cringed alot through this movie

[@dfdfdgggjhjjh5081]

The cover of the movie is terrible and I avoided watching it because I thought it would be a kooky Wes Anderson type film, but damn what a good movie. One of the best I've seen actually.

[@user-hh2is9kg9j]

good movie

[@TheJesterCinema]

This is an example of an excellent 80-90 minute long movie hidden somewhere in a 2 hour long movie

[@yt0700]

Love how the reviewers completely dance around the subject of Marxism and how it's totally corrupted that family. Best single scene is where the kids are given weapons of death to celebrate Noam Chomsky's birthday. Very telling and appropriate.

[@ericmiller5603]

Didn't like the Chomsky references at all. Knowing the dad was a far-leftist idealogue with such idols diminished my admiration for and curiosity of him. Wouldn't a brilliant renegade of society reject (or at least be neutral about) all political structures and not stereotypically denounce the "unjust capitalists?"

[@mordicus11]

it's hunting weapons, they hunt for food, they're not killing anyone

[@theAva2000]

yak yak yak

[@PhantasmagoricSplend]

Great movie with valid points. SPOILERS Seeing Viggo naked wasn't bad either. Although, I think he should let the kids make up their own minds about organized religion and such. And the supermarket scene was bad. Stealing is wrong. And the daughter should have had equipment to be on the roof. In the dark. Kids need social skills too. Also they are singing Sweet Child O Mine and it's like the parents were allowed pop culture to know that song and the kids never would. They just taught it to them randomly.

[@lauraeagleson1127]

Shannon Levy it said sweet child of mine was the mothers favourite song, that's why they sing it at that point in the movie.

[@lauraeagleson1127]

Shannon Levy it said sweet child of mine was the mothers favourite song, that's why they sing it at that point in the movie.

[@leefithian3704]

Ah , I love family survival-post apocalypse films , I do have to criticize the premise of an all knowing post apocalyptic utopian communist bad ass lol , I love the actors , but we all know the writers couldn’t survive a Starbucks strike , when they pulled up Pol Pot it took a little worthless shit in American mouths ,

[@annaairahala9462]

The writers clearly don't hold those beliefs lol He was supposed to look bad, that's why they brought up extreme ideologies from every political side

[@ArnaudFTW]

alonso seems extremely insecure in this one

[@lemupasqual7952]

This movie is a crap

[@bloodflowersandhurricanes9463]

I fucking hate this movie. To me it is the worst movie of 2016. This happens when a movie takes a ridiculous, funny premises too seriously and doesn't know when to stop. It makes me mad that people give this movie a free pass because they think it's artsy and 'thought-provoking'.

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

BloodflowersAndHurricanes this is what happens when you dissect movies while watching. I may be mistaken but you are not a career critic . Try watching the movie for what it is. I enjoyed it very much .i suspect you judged it by the cover (trailer) and didn't even watch it.

[@bloodflowersandhurricanes9463]

Roboartist Of course, every person that doesn't agree with your opinion of the movie hasn't watched it.

[@bloodflowersandhurricanes9463]

yes sir Oh, sorry, I forgot that I had to be a carreer critic to have an opinion of a movie. Again, I find it amusing how you people think that every person who has a negative opinion of the movie hasn't watched it.

[@Bvggerffpls]

The film was actually pretty grounded. Nothing about its presentation came across as artsy.

[@cjcool91]

Can you be a little more constructive, what part(s) of the movie that you didnt like and why?