MOONSTRUCK

We all know that a full moon inspires crazy things, but a romantic comedy for grown ups is about as good as it gets

Sometimes it takes a bout with temporary insanity to make you see things clearly.  This is exactly what happens to Loretta Castorini and her family in Moonstruck, a classic film that’s as funny and poignant now as it was two decades ago.   We all know that a full moon inspires crazy things, but a romantic comedy for grown ups is about as good as it gets.

After years of being unlucky in love, things finally look up for Loretta (Cher) when Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello) proposes to her.  Though her first marriage ended when her husband was hit by a bus, she’s determined to do everything right this time.  Nothing is going to jinx her second chance, but the moon might have a thing or two to say about the prince charming who winds up in her happy ending.

After Johnny leaves for Italy to tend to his dying mother, Loretta heads to the bakery where his estranged brother works to mend the rift between the men and invite Ronny (Nicholas Cage) to the wedding.  Instead, she falls directly into his arms, into his bed, and head over heels in love.  Cage is at the top of game as the sensitive yet tortured Ronny, and somehow manages to be smokin’ hot even with a clunky wooden hand.  Cher is as feisty as she is demure, and her transformation from frumpy widow to elegant knockout is nothing short of inspiring.

Over the course of the film, the entire Castorini family falls prey to the powers of the moon: Loretta’s parents confront her father’s infidelity, her Aunt Rita and Uncle Raymond fall in love all over again. and poor old Uncle Leo winds up deeply confused.  As Loretta and Ronny rediscover passion with one another, they prove that second chances exist even for those among us who consider themselves romantically challenged.  Regardless of whether you’re watching for the first time or revisiting this charming film after multiple viewings, it is as funny, fresh, and honest as it was in 1987.

BLU-RAY NOTES

The Blu-Ray release includes extras from the 2006 DVD release, including feature commentary with Cher, Director Norman Jewison and Writer John Patrick Shanley. There is also a half-hour featurette "Moonstruck: At the Heart of An Italian Family". Also, the Travel Channel's Mark DeCarlo hosts a half-hour collection of shorts called "Pasta to Pastries: The Art of Fine Italian Food" where he meanders around Italy, sampling tasty food and what not from the home country. There is also an interview with composer Dick Hyman (Wow. What a name.) about the music from the film.