Moonrise Kingdom
Moonrise Kingdom Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Movie Overview: Moonrise Kingdom
| Movie | Moonrise Kingdom |
| Release Year | 2012 |
| Director | Wes Anderson |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 94 minutes (1h 34m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Moonrise Kingdom (2012) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Moonrise Kingdom are led by Jared Gilman . The supporting cast, including Kara Hayward and Bruce Willis , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Moonrise Kingdom stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Moonrise Kingdom has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Moonrise Kingdom
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2012, Moonrise Kingdom is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film directed by Wes Anderson, written by Roman Coppola. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jared Gilman as Sam Shakusky.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Moonrise Kingdom's opening establishes the comedic tone through Jared Gilman as Sam Shakusky's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Wes Anderson layers throughout.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Jared Gilman, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Jared Gilman's storyline landing with both laughs and heart.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances, especially from Jared Gilman, that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Ending Explained: Moonrise Kingdom
Moonrise Kingdom Ending Explained: Directed by Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Jared Gilman. Many viewers have praised the way the narrative builds toward its final moments.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Moonrise Kingdom reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Moonrise Kingdom?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Comedy cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate smart humor and well-timed comedic performances
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Moonrise Kingdom
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $16.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $68.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Moonrise Kingdom Budget
The estimated production budget for Moonrise Kingdom is $16.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Moonrise Kingdom Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeMoonrise Kingdom Parents Guide & Age Rating
2012 AdvisoryWondering about Moonrise Kingdom age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Moonrise Kingdom (2012) is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Directed by Wes Anderson, the film runs for 94 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.7/10, and global performance metrics, Moonrise Kingdom is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2012 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moonrise Kingdom worth watching?
Moonrise Kingdom is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.7/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Moonrise Kingdom parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Moonrise Kingdom identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Moonrise Kingdom (2012)?
The runtime of Moonrise Kingdom (2012) is 94 minutes (approximately 1h 34m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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