I went to see this movie for two reasons. Principally, because I love Viggo Mortenson, one of the best and most underappreciated actors on the big screen. Of the many films he has made, his roles as Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Frank Hopkins in the unforgettable movie Hidalgo, are his best works. The second reason is I read a brief summary of the storyline and it sounded like something worth seeing.
I saw the R rating and wasn’t sure what to expect. Most of you know I do not like profanity in movies, and have a tendency to walk out if it is too prolific. There was plenty of profanity, especially an overworked usage of the “F” bomb, a brief moment of frontal male nudity, and an adult theme throughout. Regardless, the story caught my attention “out of the gate,” and there was no leaving until I saw how it played out.
Mortenson plays Ben, the father of six children living off the grid in the wilds of Washington. The kids range in age from six to eighteen, and have spent virtually all of their lives in a communal sort of way, learning from their Dad how to survive off the land, and at the same time being educated through reading of books and the brilliance of their father’s teaching. There is no TV, no phones, no electricity or for that fact running water. In addition a strict physical training regimen has everyone in this little clan in perfect shape.
Captain Fantastic
Entertainment Rating: ★★★1/2
Rating: R, see comments
Possible Oscar Nominations: I would nominate Viggo Mortenson for best actor, but Hollywood won’t
A family emergency summons them to leave their habitat and travel to New Mexico. Their only mode of transportation is an old school bus converted into an RV. The resulting 1500-mile road trip is a story within itself, highlighted by the kid’s first visit to a restaurant. Upon reaching their destination they are forced to re-unite with their long estranged relatives, resulting in some extraordinary moments to say nothing of serious conflicts.
The story draws to an unpredictable ending, and the closing scenes are the best family insights I can recall since Cher’s unforgettable performance in Moonstruck, including one of the funniest moments I can recall in any movie.
There has not been a lot of “play” about this film, I’ve not seen it promoted anywhere. And while I saw it at a late morning matinee, there were only five people in the theatre. I talked to the other four folks and they all gave it a hearty “thumbs up.”
This is one of those rare occasions where the language, while bothersome at times, did not get in the way of a highly unusual and engaging story.
In the meantime if you would like my review of Jason Bourne, let me know and I will email you a copy.
