Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Captain Fantastic (2016)

What is it about? 

A father who raised his kids in the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, is forced to enter the real world, and is challenged by specific values he holds dearly. 

Who is in it? 

Viggo Mortenson - Ben

George McKay - Bo

Samantha Wisler - Kielyr


Favorite Scene: 

After being questioned about the schooling of his kids, Ben challenges his nephews to their thoughts on the Bill of Rights, then has his seven year old show them up with her thoughts. 

Favorite Quote: 

"We're defined by our actions, not our words." 

Review: 

Captain Fantastic is well, fantastic. Sorry, had to use that line. Regardless, the film really is fantastic. The plot is an interesting one, but what makes the film so special is its ability ot force you to think about the values in life and in culture - especially in education and the way we raised our children. 

The focus on critical thinking and truth is a key concept that is raised, and how we beleive the way we are structured in society is vehemently the best possible way for all involved. Captain Fantastic raises that question, while also bringing up the idea of finding the right balance between critical thinking and real world exploration. 

Viggo Mortenson is super authentic, and what makes the film gold is the role the children play. 

All in all, definitely give this film a watch as it's surely worth the watch. 

Grade: 4/5

Recently Read

Was It Ever Real?

Does time change me? Or, did I evolve through experience? How many signals did I miss? Or, did I choose this fate? Do I understand the wrongs and regrets? Or, did I act with the best interest in the moment? What did they say about me? And, what will they say about me today? Was I appreciated? Or, did I imagine that? What were the opinions in the shadows? And, what were the feelings expressed before me? Is it a misunderstanding?  Or, a matter of not confirming?  Why didn’t it last? Or, was it never meant to? …ever able to? Was it ever real? Some of it? Part of it?

Pondering with Plumtree:Having Fun: Ponderings From #TNANYC 1/7 & 1/9 Tapings

Pondering with Plumtree is a column on the popular blog, TNAsylum, that is written by yours truly. The blog is focused towards being a fan site for TNA Wrestling fans where they can get news, rumors, opinions, and any and everything else, TNA Wrestling. Known as "The Haven for TNA Wrestling Fans", I'm hoping to bring some of my thoughts to an already impressive roster of columnist for as long as the site will have me. You can read the latest column here , or in the text below.

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 2/23/25

3 Up   1. New Old Cookbook - I thought this was really cool. The oldest published cookbook just got a remake and is now available. The cookbook, by Malinda Russell, is 160 years old. There has to be some really good (clean) stuff in that book. It's also Black History Month (are we still allowed to push that?), and there's a lot of history and significance that can be found through food.  2. Frankie Munoz - This dude went from Malcolm in the Middle and decided, I'm gonna be a race car driver! Munoz finished 10th recently in his debut as a NASCAR driver.  3. Yankees Policy - It's about time. The Yankees really were eventually going to find themselves in something MUCH uglier than a narrative surrounding "would George have done this?!" or "Why, this is the Yankee way!". Kudos to Hal Steinbrenner for the move.  3 Down 1. Another Plane Crash - This one in Toronto. A place landed on its roof. What is going on out there? Doesn't help when you read and ...