CAPTAIN FANTASTIC (2016)

12/19/2016 - Captain Fantastic (2016) - 7+/10

Fabulous and free-spirited. Perhaps a tad self-righteous and serendipitous with the plot, but it does a tremendous job of fleshing out characters, motivations, and dramatic arcs in relatively short time and little screen presence. The verve and romanticism of their family and its exploits got me.

The whole cast does a tremendous job (other than Langella, but his character is a ridiculous caricature), while Mortensen’s calm struggle throughout his quixotic ordeal resonates. The instances of bombast and searing emotion pop off the screen, and hit you in the chest.

The screenplay was fun and cultured, while the direction was generally understated, flickering periodically with style to keep things lively and moving. A strong early effort from writer/director Matt Ross. Intrigued to see if he could bring something again with this much quality.

Perhaps more idealism than consistent and determined narrative, often blathering about ideologies and holier-than-though knowledge. A little tightening and focus in spots would have benefitted. Also, many times plotlines would come too succinctly to their end, which felt a little forced and choppy. Never-the-less, these instances still didn’t shake-off the reigns of charm and absorption. I genuinely liked so much of this film that I feel compelled to brush away some of its faults, for the whole thing felt crisp and magnetic.