Um Toque de Sedução

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.

Though no one won any awards for their acting in this movie, it is worth a look. If you go beyond the overt storyline you can start to see nuances that point to the more complex psychological makeup of the characters and takes this movie to a different level. This is why I like this movie, it isn't just raw sexuality but the complexity of human relationships further complicated by societal standards and expectations and how one choses to integrate them. This film not only features veteran actors such as Burl Ives and Louise Fletcher, but features Richard Tyson whom you may remember from the tv series Hardball, and Sherilyn Fenn. And check out Samantha who is played by Milla (as in Milla Jovovich who played in The Fifth Element).

You would probably like this movie if you liked 9 and a Half Weeks or Wild Orchid.

Zalman King's Two Moon Junction, probably isn't as good as his 9 1/2 Weeks, but the film does have quite a few love scenes that we wouldn't see in today's films. Sherilyn Fenn stars as April who doesn't seem to like her new fiance Chad (Martin Hewett). In an attempt to find what see wants, she goes to a local carnival and falls for muscle bound carnival worker Perry (Richard Tyson) and have the usual affair. The all star cast includes Academy Award winners, Louise Fletcher (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) and Burl Ives (The Big Country), other well known cast members include Herve Villichaize (TV's Fantasy Island), Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element), Millie Perkins (Diary of Anne Frank), Juanita Moore (Academy Award nominee for Imitation of Life) and Kristy McNicole (TV's Empty Nest). Not bad, but could have been a little better for a sex film.

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)

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!