Two Moon Junction

4 Stars is too low for this surprisingly strong film. Yes, it's a Zalman King movie, but it was among his first and unlike probably everything else he did since, was a very good movie. It has a good, tight story and some very strong performances from its leads, especially Richard Tyson (who really should have become a big star but just never quite did for some reason).

I still believe that it is among the sexiest movies ever made, and that is not possible if you do not care about the characters or are drawn into their passion. Most movies of this type fail to engage the viewer in the story and so the passion and sexuality suffer, but that is not the case here. One doesn't need to watch this movie as an excuse for some cheap titillation, it also delivers as an enjoyable film as well.

Okay, let's take this movie for what it is -- a bodice ripper romance novel put on the screen for you to enjoy. It's hardly anything more than that, but does it have to be? The film is set in the "deep south", but the faulty accents and in-and-around LA locations sometimes give it away. It's a highly stylized exercise in melodramatic erotica. There's no mystery here -- even the ending can be seen coming a mile away! Basically the plot is a Southern Belle sows her wild oats before her wedding, and finds herself torn between sensuality and stability. She meets a carny who offers her one last hot fling before she marries her boring college sweetheart. Which one will she chose?

What's to like? Sherilyn Fenn is radiant as April, and overcomes most all of the bad dialogue. She's a great actress! Kristy McNichol steals the few scenes she is in with a flair for comedy and easy earthy sensuality! Why is she not doing more? Richard Tyson plays a rough and tumble drifter carny who gets to pout and preen as a male "himbo" who is justly portrayed as good at one thing. The plot is silly, and you even get an over-the-top Louise Fletcher appearing as the matriarch who knows all too well that "lust fades, but financial security is worth everything!"

I love this movie though. It is charming in its own way, and sensual without being too graphic. Nothing is subtle, but it pays off as one of the most enjoyable Zalman King outings ever! Notice the almost "ALL WHITE" costumes! These people spend a fortune on bleach. Notice the hottest scene seems to be when Sherilyn Fenn and Kristy McNichol dance together on a deserted jukejoint floor. Notice the great soundtrack! Let yourself go, and enjoy an old-fashioned pot boiler romance filmed and acted better than it ever had a right to be.

Okay, so certain aspects of Two Moon are predictable, maybe even hokey. Who cares? Sherilyn Fenn and Richard Tyson are phenomenal (both in looks and acting), sets are great, and the cinematography is even better. Music is killer and classic. The supporting cast, including Louis Fletcher (Nurse Rachet!) and Burl Ives, does an outstanding job!

I've been watching this film since if first came out, and I still watch it every time I get the chance. Can't wait to get a DVD player so I can see the widescreen version. This movie definitely ranks in my top ten favourites. Make sure you rent/buy this movie - it's well worth it. Unless you're staking your professional reputation on it, this movie is a definite two thumbs up!

gets it on with hunky,I mean top choice Richard Tyson. Those scenes burn up the screen...

Check out the scene at the carnival where Fenn sees bare-chested Tyson... George Thorogood and the Destroyers in background.

Great supporting cast of Burl Ives and Louise Fletcher( One Flew Over Cucukoo's Nest/nurse Ratchet fame)

Fenn and Tyson melt the screen. I was surprised when I "stumbled upon this flick" back then after reading a lukewarm review in the NYT. The part the "Times" forgot was the erotic/almost soft porn love scenes. Whew!

This film doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should you. Zalman King's direction is ultra-stylish and Fenn and Tyson make an attractive couple (the film will appeal to both sexes). It still plays like an extended TV commercial with soft-core overtones, but at least it almost constantly keeps its tongue in its cheek, which turns out to be a big plus. Clever ending, too. (**1/2)