Today’s quick review: Moonstruck. Widowed at a young age, Loretta Castorini (Cher) gets a second shot at marriage when Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello), a safe but boring man, proposes to her. Loretta says yes, and they set the date for a month from now, after Johnny gets back from his trip to Sicily. But everything changes when Loretta meets Johnny’s estranged younger brother Ronny (Nicolas Cage), a tormented man she immediately falls in love with.
Moonstruck is a romantic comedy about a woman torn between her fiance and his brother. The movie explores the nature of love and marriage as Loretta, normally a responsible and level-headed woman, finds her resolve put to the test. Moonstruck is not a storybook romance, but it is an engaging story, with realistic characters, themes of family and forgiveness, and a script that captures something important about human nature.
Moonstruck does not aspire to high drama. The story is a personal one, grounded in specific characters and situations. Loretta lives with her mother Rose (Olympia Dukakis) and her father Cosmo (Vincent Gardenia), and her romantic life is a constant give-and-take with them. For his part, Ronny is passionate and bitter, with an attraction to Loretta that neither of them entirely understands.
Moonstruck is a messy but heartfelt story that captures the complications of love. Multifaceted characters, nuanced themes, and a family focus that is rare in the genre all make Moonstruck a worthwhile pick for the right viewer. Those who prefer passionate romances with few complications will find it a little unfocused.
For a similar exploration of love, life, and infidelity, try Hannah and Her Sisters. For a gritty crime drama that touches on love and loyalty in an Italian family, try Mean Streets. For a darker romance starring Nicolas Cage, try Leaving Las Vegas.
[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093565/). I give it a 7.0 for an insightful story.