Racing with the Moon is one of those films that you have unlikely never heard of. It's a very small film...but it is one that is worth checking out, especially if you like tender, heartfelt dramas. I have never heard of this film until I did research on movies with Nicolas Cage. This is one of his earlier roles, and the movie does have a nice cast attached to it. It's by no means the best romantic drama, but its heart is too pure to resist. It doesn't try to be super nostalgic or sugary as it has a more realistic angle to it.
The film was directed by Richard Benjamin, who has shown he has a knack of working well with teenagers and also with sensitive material. It took me by surprise to see who wrote the screenplay. Are you familiar with the name Steve Kloves? If not, he is the gentleman behind the Harry Potter screenplays a good two decades after this movie's release. At least you can tell that Kloves can create well-rounded teens. His characters are what makes the movie and it's the acting that brings these characters to life.
It's 1942 and the United States is at war. All over the United States, young men are eagerly signing up to join the Armed Forces. Among these young men are Henry 'Hopper' Nash (Sean Penn) and Nicky (Nicolas Cage). They are best friends and they work together as pinsetters at a local bowling alley. Nicky has a girlfriend, but Henry is still single. When he goes to the movies, he falls in love with the girl who takes his ticket, Caddie Winger (Elizabeth McGovern). She, apparently, lives on the rich side of town...but that still doesn't stop their fledging romance. When Nicky's girlfriend becomes pregnant and needs an abortion, Nicky's personality changes...which may test the teen's friendship.
The character development is what makes this movie and it's the performances are why the characters are so heartfelt and pure. Sean Penn, known for his tough-guy roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Bad Boys, delivers another quality performance. He still plays the guy who has a tough exterior but shows softness and tenderness on the inside. Nicolas Cage also delivers some excellent work with his irresponsible character. Elizabeth McGovern has a beautiful face and a teasing personality, and I felt her performance fit in with Sean Penn's character.
Racing with the Moon is one of those smaller movies that you will forget about over time, but you will embrace each minute when watching the film. The story itself is forgettable, but the characters themselves are relatable and interesting to watch. The film is sweet, tender, loving, and realistic. Benjamin did a great job giving the film a good heart. If you're looking for a romantic drama with some humor and perhaps one you may have not seen, give this film a look.
My Grade: B
The film was directed by Richard Benjamin, who has shown he has a knack of working well with teenagers and also with sensitive material. It took me by surprise to see who wrote the screenplay. Are you familiar with the name Steve Kloves? If not, he is the gentleman behind the Harry Potter screenplays a good two decades after this movie's release. At least you can tell that Kloves can create well-rounded teens. His characters are what makes the movie and it's the acting that brings these characters to life.
It's 1942 and the United States is at war. All over the United States, young men are eagerly signing up to join the Armed Forces. Among these young men are Henry 'Hopper' Nash (Sean Penn) and Nicky (Nicolas Cage). They are best friends and they work together as pinsetters at a local bowling alley. Nicky has a girlfriend, but Henry is still single. When he goes to the movies, he falls in love with the girl who takes his ticket, Caddie Winger (Elizabeth McGovern). She, apparently, lives on the rich side of town...but that still doesn't stop their fledging romance. When Nicky's girlfriend becomes pregnant and needs an abortion, Nicky's personality changes...which may test the teen's friendship.
The character development is what makes this movie and it's the performances are why the characters are so heartfelt and pure. Sean Penn, known for his tough-guy roles in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Bad Boys, delivers another quality performance. He still plays the guy who has a tough exterior but shows softness and tenderness on the inside. Nicolas Cage also delivers some excellent work with his irresponsible character. Elizabeth McGovern has a beautiful face and a teasing personality, and I felt her performance fit in with Sean Penn's character.
Racing with the Moon is one of those smaller movies that you will forget about over time, but you will embrace each minute when watching the film. The story itself is forgettable, but the characters themselves are relatable and interesting to watch. The film is sweet, tender, loving, and realistic. Benjamin did a great job giving the film a good heart. If you're looking for a romantic drama with some humor and perhaps one you may have not seen, give this film a look.
My Grade: B