Moonlight Mile

"Moonlight Mile" is one of the most beautiful films ever to be made. Highlighted by phenomenal performances by Hoffman, Sarandon and Hunter, the film is truly inspiring, despite some overly-sentimental moments.

Brad Silberling has created an amazing piece of film. The story starts out quite shakily, but manages to quickly find its feet and, thus, saves itself from being another overly-indulgent, kitchy movie. Some might battle with "Moonlight Mile"'s pace, as the film takes its time in developing its characters. However, the film is character-driven and these developments are fundamental to the film's progression.

Holly Hunter's performance is Oscar worthy, even though her role is quite small. Judi Dench won an Oscar for her 8 minute performance in "Shakespeare in love" and I see no reason why Hunter should not have been nominated. Amongst a cast of film legends, Jake Gyllenhaal holds his ground. It is obvious that he has had less experience in the acting field, but his performance is still great. Gyllenhaal's climatic monologue near the end of the film will give you goosebumps. It is the best part of the film and in my opinion one of the best scenes in cinema history.

In a film about one of the most life-changing, traumatic experiences one can endure, subtlety rules. Little things drive the film and the characters in the film begin to appreciate the smaller things in life. And that's what makes the film so beautiful and so real. The subtlety of the comedy and romance is what makes the drama that much more bearable - which brings us back to the films central theme: coming to terms with loss and trying to move on from it. These beautiful little moments are what make the film.

One might have mistaken "Moonlight Mile" for a Cameron Crowe film as music plays a vital part. The film's music is as evocative as the action on screen and the film's epic moments are emphasised by the films perfectly fitted music.

This film has been overlooked and underrated, and should have received more credit. Silberling has crafted an outstanding piece of cinema, which is rich with emotion and evocatively inspiring. Some cynics may find the film too sentimental and will claim they predicted the entire movie, but if one is able to ignore the odd mushy moment (there's one or two), "Moonlight Mile" is a cinematic triumph. Treat yourself to this amazing film!

When I first started watching this movie I was a bit confused. I had expected some drama and romance, but instead it looked like a comedy! But when I kept watching, I realised I was wrong, although I have to admit that the first half an hour is rather comedy than drama.

Anyway, "Moonlight Mile" is highly enjoyable. What exactly makes this movie so great? It's the acting. The cast is outstanding. Susan Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman are truly amazing as always. Jake Gyllenhaal, who we know from "Donnie Darko", was excellent as well. But, like I already said, Hoffman and Sarandon are the true stars in this one. They were both so funny from time to time! "Moonlight Mile" is definitely worth watching! A true indie with great performances!

8/10

Waitress Diana Floss was killed by a husband who came to the diner to kill his wife. Mona Camp (Holly Hunter) is the prosecutor. Diana's fiancé Joe Nast (Jake Gyllenhaal) is staying with her parents Ben (Dustin Hoffman) and Jojo (Susan Sarandon) who still treats him as their own son. He feels obligated to stay which includes going along with Ben's plan of him being in the family commercial realty business. He falls for Bertie Knox (Ellen Pompeo) but they both have secrets of their own.

It's a movie about a lot of suffering but mostly done quietly. Everybody is getting crushed but nobody is particularly interested to admit it. It has the air of truth. However it isn't able to squeeze emotions out of the audience. We get to witness their suffering without really feeling it. Most of the performances are great. Gyllenhaal does a terrific job bringing life to the emotional dialog which could have gone another way.

"Moonlight Mile" is a film inspired by the murder of Rebecca Schaeffer...but only broadly. This is because the director/writer Brad Silberling had been dating Schaeffer when she died and like the character played by Jake Gyllenhaal, he lived for a time with her parents following this death.

When the story begins, you might find it confusing. Joe's girlfriend had been killed....though this isn't obvious and when you find out, exactly how seems pretty vague as well. What is clear is that Joe (Gyllenhaal) is living with her parents (Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon) and he seems like he's simply going about his life in order to make them happy...sort of like a substitute for his dead fiancee. What's next? See the film.

Considering the film is about a family and boyfriend responding to the the brutal murder of a girl, it obviously is NOT a fun movie to watch. But the performances are very good and the film is unique....reasons to possibly watch it. Well made...and rather unpleasant...though fortunately the film is NOT violent and doesn't show any violence.

I would give it a 7.5 out of 10.

There is so much not to like about this movie - Susan Sarandon overdoes the cool mom bit, they use each others' names all the time, Dustin Hoffman shuffles about like Rainman in several scenes, the love story is rather improbable, the ending too perfectly happy happy, Jake tends to have one expression through the whole movie and you don't realise it is in the 70's until they start talking about Vietnam. It also bothered me for some reason that Jake wore the same pants throughout.

BUT I loved it loved it loved it. It is funny, sad, happy and has so many great actors in it (plus animals). The soundtrack is fantastic. Jake has the funny scene at the table and the serious scene in court - must have been a dream role to play. Jake has really been good about varying his roles which must be hard when you fit the stereotypical young hunk role. I think the dancing scene and the love scene are absolutely beautiful and show affection and the need for affection more than sex which is rare - the music is perfectly matched to both these scenes. I am glad they chose a plainer, quirkier leading lady - Ellen Pompeo does it amazingly well (though watching her in Grey's she always seems to play the same character). She is 11 years older than Jake though and he seemed like a teenager in the movie so I was confused as to whether she was supposed to be so much older in the movie.

It is not the best movie I have ever seen but it was way way better than I thought it would be and I was surprised that it sank without a trace at the time.