GREAT READS

Moonrise Kingdom

I recently fell in love......with a movie! Within my 3 day check out time limit, I watched the entire thing 3 times. Not because I have nothing better to do, but truly because it was that good. I wanted to make sure that I had captured every moment of the clever dialog and every glimpse of the screen.

"Moonrise Kingdom," directed by Wes Anderson, is the movie that I am gushing about. I am not over exaggerating when I say that this was the most enchanting, feel good movie that I have seen in many, many years. The story is set around 12-year-old Sam Shakusky and his true love, Suzy Bishop. The movie is set on a remote island off the coast of New England named New Penzance and the wild and remote setting only adds to the charm of the film. After meeting at a community play a year before, Sam and Suzy commence writing each other over the next several months. In the course of their correspondence, they make plans to secretly meet and run away together. Sam brings the outdoor survival skills he picked up during his time as a "Khaki Scout" and Suzy brings along her books, her record player and her cat for entertainment. Their mission is to make it to a secluded cove they have named Moonrise Kingdom where they will live together forever. Of course they are discovered missing, and of course the island is thrown into turmoil as everyone joins in the hunt for Sam and Suzy.

There are so many aspects that make this movie absolutely wonderful. It is beautifully filmed and as I said before, the wild island setting adds to the excitement of watching the two escapes try and make their way. . The writing is so creative and right on that you won't want to miss a word, and the intense feelings of first love just pour over you. Sam and Suzy are so positively serious about their devotion! Plus, the movie features a genius soundtrack that won't leave your head.

Even better, the cast will not disappoint you with Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton and Harvey Keitel, as well as the two newcomers who play Sam and Suzy.

"Moonrise Kingdom" is quirky, clever, artistic, charming, romantic and enchanting.......I could go on and on! If you love movies, grab it and you'll be glad. I will be checking it out again for sure!

Recommended by Donna Nichols