Dir. Norman Jewison (trailer)
Moonstruck has the perfect blend of humor and romance that anyone can enjoy. Director Norman Jewison creates a world that feels warm and familiar even if you have never been to New York City. The film revolves around Loretta (Cher), a 37-year old widow who lives at home with her Italian parents. When her boyfriend (Danny Aiello) proposes to her before leaving to visit his dying mother in Sicily, Loretta tracks down his younger brother Ronny (Nicolas Cage) to invite him to the wedding. At first Loretta and Ronny butt heads but soon they begin to fall for each other, despite Loretta's engagement to Johnny. While Loretta is battling with her own love life, her parents are also separately keeping secrets.
Cher gives an incredible performance (one that earned her an Oscar) as an independent woman who knows what she wants in life and is unwilling to compromise. Even though this film was made in 1987, it is still refreshing to see a "middle-aged" woman depicted on screen as having a personal life that doesn't revolve around a husband or children. Olympia Dukakis also gives a wonderful performance as Rose, Loretta's mother. Dukakis plays the character with a quiet grace and humor that sticks with you after the film has ended.
The film often feels like an adaptation of a play, with only a few different locations and the frequent recurrence of characters throughout the movie. While the movie is filled with drama (but always underscored with humor) the film has a happy ending that will help it become an instant favorite for years to come.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Recommended for fans of: romance, When Harry Met Sally (1989), drama, Say Anything (1989), Sabrina (1995)
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