Captain Fantastic does indeed start out fantastic, the first half is flawless. The story starts to sputter after that, though I wouldn't have wanted to miss the pyretic finale. The film made a powerful impression on me, in fact my imagination is currently still living in the idyllic world of the movie's backstory. Captain Fantastic is an unexpected little charmer that guides viewers off the beaten path. *A*

Its a sometimes great movie that misses to finish with the same deeper emotional impact that it starts with. The first half is brilliant and you are completely engaged in the little world the Cash's create for themselves. The flaws that are later questioned are so firmly established that you really truly believe that such a life is possible and it could be great.

Then comes the twist in form of a tragedy and the family's reason to travel, even though a lot of things are unclear here this part is strong in setting up the family drama, comparisons in choices of raising your kids and few secrets. While the film maintains a good hold on you and has some of most funny and odd choices here its feels a little long. The wonder of a new world is not fully explored here and the "rescue the food" bit felt forced. The dark secrets and fights feel strong here.

The third act is where cracks start to show. The movie still stays smart here and you start questioning the raising methods which felt really good earlier. The family's rights and the use of law enforcement is shoe-horned (I am trying to not give even a single thing here but some of them might take away your viewing experience) for the sake of adding more twists to the story. The church scene is great and seeing the whole family enter is one of the best moments of the film. The problem though is the conclusion of the scene and things that follow at night. Everything from here felt like either missing a step or the film trying to add twists. The parting scene was brilliant and one of the best acting I have seen from Mortensen (or from any movie this year) the way he presents the scene, only acting with his eyes. But then comes the resolutions and revelations, very swiftly. The resolutions/revelations were rushed and didn't have an organic feel to them. I do love that the movie went with its ending I mean the toilet scene. The final scene is great and so is the dancing at the end, feels the respect they give to their family.

The film is great when its trying to present ideas or trying to preach few of them but the family drama felt good not great. The first act is just brilliant, the second act is very solid, the third act is weakest but it has the brilliant conclusion and the Mortenson showing the best acting of his career.

I really would recommend to go watch this movie (specially for the first two acts).

8(8.5)/10

On a remote forest compound in the Pacific Northwest, Ben (Viggo Mortensen) and his wife Leslie raise their six children apart from society. Their daily routine is a regiment of education (literature, mathematics, sociology) and survival training (agriculture, martial arts). Their utopian idyll is sidelined, however, when Leslie commits suicide after a prolonged fight with bipolar disorder. Ben decides to travel south with the children to attend her funeral, though this involves encountering his conservative and extremely disdainful father-in-law (Frank Langella). Captain Fantastic is an amusing and at times deeply moving film by writer and director Matt Ross, who is known best as an actor (he plays the character Gavin on HBO's Silicon Valley). Ross knows the secret to realizing the potential of his premise: the audience should understand the charm and magnetism of Ben's rigorous lifestyle, which has given his children intellectual depth and physical strength, but we should also recognize and sympathize with the mainstream, anti-isolation counterargument. Other than a few brief scenes of slightly overbearing quirk, the film nicely represents both sides of the familial dispute. And it is anchored by the tremendous Mortensen, who I believe to be among the finest actors of his generation. As at home beheading orcs in The Lord of the Rings as he is exploring Lisandro Alonso's existential Argentine desert in Jauja, he has a just-right blend of movie-star brawn and Neil Young-esque rustic melancholy and is perfectly cast here, creating in Ben a character who is in turn charismatic, infuriating, and soulful. It is also no small feat on Ross' part to draw six authentic and resonant performances from adolescent actors.

A-

This was, well, fantastic. One of the best films of the year so far. Beautifully done.

9/10 (A-)

It was a bit too long and the second half isn't as compelling as the first, but this is a great film anchored by a fantastic performance from Viggo Mortensen.

I'd love for Mortensen to get some awards attention for this film. It is his best performance to date, IMO.

*** / ***** (C)

Indie try-hard movie that sometimes gets it right, sometimes it's too self-indulgent and whenever it thinks it's saying/doing something smart it really isn't. Viggo steals the show.

The funniest part to me was on their trip, they see a bunch of overweight (normal) people. The kids ask out loud, why is everyone so fat? Dad is like, it's okay to think that, but don't say it out loud. We don't make fun of people right? Kids say yeah. Then one of them says, except for Christians.

I had to pause the movie because I was still laughing 30 seconds later and missed what was going on. The delivery was so good.

Anyway, great movie. 4/5.

I loved that line!

Captain Fantastic is pretty fantastic. It's a lovely story with an excellent Viggo Mortensen while the children are just as well cast. The film is both interesting and endearing with a nice score as well. The development of the story isn't particular new found grounds but it's nonetheless well executed and I enjoyed all the way through. It would have been totally fair if this would have been nominated for more than just best Actor.

A-

When did you watch this?

I watched it on the train, started in the morning and finished it on the way back.