Amazon.com essential video: Remember the outfit Cher wore to the Oscars when she won an Academy Award for her performance in this 1987 film? Ay-yi-yi. The actress' more retiring character in this infectious comedy leaps several psychological hurdles just giving her hair a permanent. But then the original screenplay by John Patrick Shanley (Joe Versus the Volcano) is a wonderful, gently satirical tale of an Italian-American family dealing with repression and dissatisfaction against a backdrop of cultural expectations. Cher is focused and funny as a widow who feels she should marry an older fellow (Danny Aiello), but then falls for his black-sheep brother (Nicolas Cage). Olympia Dukakis and Vincent Gardenia are perfect as her parents, and John Mahoney (of TV's Frasier) has a memorable, small role as a middle-aged man on the make who gets a lecture from Dukakis's character. Shanley's dialogue is comically stylized in a way that makes one appreciate how much words can inform an actor's performance. Taking its cues from him and director Norman Jewison (And Justice for All), the cast immerse themselves in a pool of hilariously operatic emotion. The special-edition DVD release has a full-screen presentation, Dolby sound, commentary by Cher, Jewison, and Shanley, theatrical trailer, closed captioning, booklet, optional French soundtrack, and optional subtitles in English, French, or Spanish. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - MOONSTRUCK
This film was destined to become a classic when it was first released, not only due to the actors who perform in it but also based upon the story content as well. It's a "feel good" movie recreating the times of our lives that either took place or were discussed around the family table. It rightly takes its place beside classic films featuring both Hepburns, Tracy, Bogie, Bacall, Stewart, etc.
I had previous owned it on VHS but not DVD and missed being able to watch it occasionally so I decided it was time to acquire it again. Most enjoyable!
Rating: - Caricatures
All the men are stupid jerks who screw up their own lives and the lives of those around them. Fortunately for the safety of New York City, all of the women are wise, patient and nurturing, and manage to get the bozos back on track. No wonder my wife thinks this is the best movie of all time!
Rating: - Classic film stands up 21 years later
I have always loved this film. This has not changed in the years since it was released.
I have a question for the film makers. Why did it take until 2006 until this wide screen edition of the film was available? New York City is a character in the film. Landscape shots make it so.
I waited until I got this DVD, keep watching for it to come out.
Great script. Cast perfect except for Cage. I am NOT a fan of his.
I remember years ago that Olympia had her Oscar stolen. She deserved it. Cher did as well along with the script.
Rating: - moonstruck dvd
i love the movie, the quality and etc, etc. very happy with my purchase!
Rating: - I'll admit; I'm a little moonstruck...
`Moonstruck' tells the all too familiar tale of a woman who falls in love with a man whom she is not promised to. Yes, we have seen this story told before, at times better, at times worse. What makes `Moonstruck' so entertaining is that it takes the age old formula and spices it with wonderful performances that capture a deeper sense of meaning than just merely whether or not one person is meant for one person.
The film tells the story if widow Loretta Castorini, a beautiful yet unkempt woman who feels as though she is unlucky, and that lack of luck has convinced her that the only ... Read More
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