The Man in the Moon

Rating:
Summary: Sensational Movie
Review: This much admired 1991 sleeper is noteworthy for several reasons. It introduced the remarkable young actress Reese Witherspoon to the viewing public--or at least that portion of the viewing public that bothered to see it. It also made a for a successful (de facto) "coming of age" trilogy for director Robert Mulligan, among whose previous successes were TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and THE SUMMER OF '42. It also had beautiful, evocative cinematography by Freddie Francis.

And it gets its 1950s feel just about right (although I did find myself asking, "Did 14 year olds really say 'WHATEVER' in 1957?")

The story is simple and sweet. Young girl meets slightly older boy, who in turn falls for her older sister. Sibling rivalry for the affections of a third party is a tale older than Childe Ballads, but the intelligent script and sensitive direction makes MAN IN THE MOON something special. For the first hour or so, the film hits nary a false note.

And then it did--at least for me. I don't like to second guess any narrative development, but I found the film's ending a bit of a let-down. (SPOILER WARNING!) The fact that the girls' heated rivalry for their neighbor's affection is interrupted by tragedy, a tragedy that ultimately leads to their reconciliation, seems almost too easy dramatically. Or maybe it's just too rushed. Fourteen year old Dani's flirtation with the older neighbor Court proceeds almost languidly, but his torrid romance with older sister Maureen takes up maybe 15 minutes of screen time. Court's demise is premature in more ways than one.

I would have preferred to see the older teens' relationship detailed more. Maureen's loss might have ultimately have seemed more profound then. One can argue of course that at 17, a brief relationship can have all the force and drama of longstanding affair. Agreed, but how long did the two star crossed lovers actually have. A day and a half? The dramatic possibilities of their love and the sisters' rivalry are ultimately curbed.

It's an arguable point, and knowing me, should I re-view this film in a month or so, I'll likely find that it flows perfectly and wonder what the heck I was complaining about. Still I hope other admirers of this movie will understand when I say that I probably just a bit frustrated because I wanted the movie to be a little longer. I think they might agree that it would be nice to get to know these wonderful characters a little better.

While Reese Witherspoon deserves the attention her debut role brought her, it should probably be mentioned that ALL the performances are spot on. You expect as much from veterans Tess Harper and Sam Waterston, but the other young actors are also remarkable. Jason London projects both the ease and the awkwardness of a seventeen year old just growing into his own body. Emily Warfield, who unfortunately seems to have no screen credits since 1995, is equally good as the remarkably self-aware and poised Maureen.

And if they ever wanted to make a sequel, I'd recommend following up with the story of Court's mom played beautifully by Gail Strickland. She's one character I wanted to know more about. Losing both her husband and her son in separate farm accidents within a short span of time would, of course, be devastating. But Strickland projects such strength and steely reserve that one can only imagine that her continuing story would be fascinating.


Rating:
Summary: Reese's premier winner
Review: This is a very moving passionate movie that will tug at your hearstrings. Reese plays Dani Trant, a young lady who doesn't follow what her parents say and avoid responsiblity. Then she meets Court. She falls immediately in love. She matures greatly by the end of the film. At the start she's not especially close to her sister, but in the end they have a very strong bond.

This movie will please all aduiences. Adults and children alike will be moved by this winner.

One heck of a performance by first timer Reese. Sam Waterson is equally deft as her strong willed father who's having a hard time dealing with a growing young lady.

Check this one out no matter how old you are.

Rating:
Summary: Great movie!
Review: I saw this movie a few years ago and then bought it when it came out on DVD. I watch it every few months or so, and it never gets old, I still bawl every time I watch it. Reese Witherspoon is amazing and should have gotten some recognition for this movie. It's a must-see.

Rating:
Summary: "You're so pretty that it hurts!"
Review: As of this review this film has 75 reviews and a 4.9 cummulative rating. If that is not enough to make somebody at least rent this film... This is the style of film that harkens back to the days when a good script, solid acting, and inspired direction was all any studio needed to have a great film. This film has a fantastic coming-of-age tale set in 1950s Louisiana and is so often absolutely believable that I felt transported, even nostalgic for a time in which I was never even alive. Director Robert Mulligan, most famous for directing "To Kill a Mockingbird," has such a light, fluid touch with camera angles and complex panning sequences that it feels almost organic. The movie practically flows through you as you watch it. Then there are the splendid acting performances. Sam Waterston, a favorite actor of mine since "The Killing Fields," gives the whole package here from wit and strength to fear and being at a total loss for words when intense situations occur. Tess Harper has a more limited role, serving as a strong foundation as the mother and wife, but when the scene calls for it she shines accordingly. Jason London has some splendid scenes, particularly with both Reese Witherspoon and Emily Warfield who play sisters who both fall in love with the young man. Reese Witherspoon is very impressive here for being so young. Oftentimes, young actors are so mature for their ages that they have forgotten how to behave like a kid. Reese is exceptional here! Then there is Emily Warfield. Let me just quote Reese's character by saying, "You're so pretty that it hurts!" She is amazingly beautiful and uses so much subtlety in her performance that when she has to completely breakdown near the end it is truly visceral. There is so much said by all these character actors with exceptional facial expression and outstanding emotional rapport with one another, that by the time the story takes a tragic turn leaving the viewer stunned and wiping away tears, one cannot help but care about every character that remains. Most of the scenes leading up to the emotional ending are light-hearted and endearing, which in turn adds to the impact of an incredibly sad ending. Have some tissues handy. I've seen this film four times and even though I am prepared in mind for what I know will happen, I am blinking away tears and wiping my face repeatedly every time. But no ending in any character film I've ever seen can be sad if the viewer doesn't care about the characters and what they are doing througout the story. The price for this sparkling gem is spectacular! If you have a penchant for great acting and all around solid filmmaking then look no further than this endearing and ultimately heartwrenching film. 'sniff' Thank you.

Rating:
Summary: Should Have Won An Oscar!!!!!
Review: This movie is absolutely spectacular and is a MUST SEE!!!! The acting is top notch, but I think the more subtle elements such as cinematography, lighting, settings, and music also helped to make it a hit as well. This movie is one of the few that seems to really pay attention to small details. There were a few scenes where things were absolutely quiet except for the subtle sound of bugs in the background....reminisent of a hot summer day/evening in the deep south. It made me feel like I was there. This coupled with Reese Witherspoon's charming performance makes it an instant classic.