Moonlight Mile Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
In life and love, expect the unexpected.
A young man lingers in the family home of his fiancee, after her accidental death. While grieving along with her parents and drawn into legal issues presented by a district attorney seeking justice for the family, he finds himself falling in love with another woman, against his own best intentions.
| Jake Gyllenhaal | Joe Nast |
| Dustin Hoffman | Ben Floss |
| Susan Sarandon | Jojo Floss |
| Aleksia Landeau | Cheryl |
| Ellen Pompeo | Bertie Knox |
| Richard Messing | Rabbi |
| Lev Friedman | Cantor |
| Bob Clendenin | Server #1 |
| Jim Fyfe | Server #2 |
| Mary Ellen Trainor | Mrs. Meyerson |
| Richard Fancy | Mr. Meyerson |
| Marcia Mitzman Gaven | Fashion Plate |
| Allan Corduner | Stan Michaels |
| Holly Hunter | Mona Camp |
| Careena Melia | Diana Floss |
| Brad Silberling |
6.70 out of 10 (6601 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Has Its Moments
posted on 01 Jul 2009This was my most anticipated movie of the fall. I thought the trailer was magnificent. Unfortunately, as with City of Angles, Moonlight Mile goes a little bit over the top. It also seems to belabor dull moments like a child waiting in the street. But, when asked to shine, Jake Gyllenhaal comes through in the crutch. There's a personal feeling to the movie that goes beyond what happened to Brad Siberling. There's also reflection. Nevertheless, you sense a hole. Like the characters are too composed. As if the actual truth is being obscured. I think you'll see what I mean. Check it out.
This one will warm your heart...
posted on 29 Jun 2009I heard about the movie when searching this site for more films with Jake Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, October Sky). I don't really fancy to romance movies (chick flicks), but after viewing the trailer I couldn't wait for the film to be released and was lucky enough to be in an area where it was playing. MOONLIGHT MILE is a very touching, original piece of work from writer/director Brad Silberling (City of Angels) and what makes it more emotional is the fact that it's based around his own feelings of dealing with the death of Rebecca Schaeffer. Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarando are, of course excellent in their performances. Jake Gyllenhaal shines again in his role as the grieving fiancee. I highly recommend this touching tale to everyone.I give it a 9 out of 10 (excellent).And while I'm not one to really bash other people's thoughts on the movie, I was very disappointed to read a quick review by "genius-15" who stated the movie as a "useless tearjerker" and that Hollywood shouldn't make this kind of crap because of the grieving families of America. The thing that upset me about this review is the fact that it was completely obvious that "genius-15" only saw the theatrical trailer and not the film. The person probably has issues with the tragedy that happened on Sept. 11, but should one take it out on a movie trailer? Well, just thought I'd bring that point out there.
American Beauty meets About Schmidt
posted on 18 Apr 2009A quirky family is turned up-side down after losing a daughter quite suddenly. Moonlight Mile starts with the mourning process of this family and continues it's way through it. Sound's really sad, depressing and not the kind of film you want to be seeing, Right? No, watch it! This is a fine comedy drama. Purely character driven and well directed. Tugs at the heart strings but not too much. The humour is well placed which doesn't upset the tone and the acting is top notch. The highly talented Jake Gyllenhaal playing his usual reserved and comedic best, holding himself to the highest standard besides two greats like Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon. The soundtrack is great and Ellen Pompeo damn fine as the love-interest. Well worth seeing.
Moving and Full
posted on 10 Apr 2009Moonlight Mile got blasted by the majority of critics, at least that I've been exposed to here in LA but luckily I never bother to listen to them as time and time again, I find movies that I adore that they tear apart. In fact, I feel passionately enough about this film that I'd take all of them on at once to defend this movie if they were in the room. I noticed that one IMDb user referred to Ordinary People when commenting on this film and didn't think much of that one either. I'm on the other end of the scale. Ordinary People blew me away when I saw it. I found no melodrama in it whatsoever. I found the truth about what people say, and then what they really mean, and more than that, what they don't say and sometimes never get the chance to. In that respect, Moonlight Mile does share something in common with Ordinary People. But to say it's just a knockoff of other movies that have dealt with grief or loss is to belittle both. You don't see just one movie made on the triumph of the human spirit or the fight against injustice, so how could one possibly knock this movie for dealing with something just as profound? Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon and Jake Gylenhaal all showed up to the table for this project and their hearts are obviously there. It is those very hearts that lend so much to the audience to be able to invest in. And as for the director being trite with the subject matter (as one critic inferred), he was inspired to make this movie after and because of his girlfriend's death (an LA actress who was gunned down in front of her home by a celebrity stalker). So whether one feels that he hit the mark or missed, I would be under the impression that the director was coming from a very sincere place with this film.Everyone has their own opinion, that's the beauty of human nature, but as one that has dealt with loss more times than is natural and knows those empty silences that can never be filled, Moonlight Mile showed that void and filled it and I was glad to be there to see them do just that.
Darling if not daring.
posted on 04 Apr 2009Simultaneously heart rending and warming, Moonlight Mile treads no new paths while simultaneously avoiding excessive Cliche'. A story Sad and sweet at the same time. Rock solid Technical work and directing are boosted by excelent performances from the leads. Gyllenhaal and Pompeo while greenhorns compared to the veterans of Sarandon and Hoffman, turn in performances equal to their seniors. The story proceeds steadily from beginning to end, without falling into distraction. A feat more considerable considering period in which it is set, and the myriad of possible tangents it provides. Indeed the viewer gets a better sense of the period from the scenes (old cars, old music, old phone) than from the dialog, Vietnam is mentioned less than the word window. The film says nothing new about grieving, or love, but it's nice to know those old platitudes are still as true as ever.
"ExtraOrdinary People"
posted on 15 Feb 2009MOONLIGHT MILE ***1/2 Jake Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon, Holly Hunter, Ellen Pompeo, Dabney Coleman. Strong acted and character driven drama about the aftermath of a family's sudden and violent loss of their beloved adult daughter and the bonding between them and her fiancé (Gyllenhaal effectively conveying awkward grievance) in a small New England hamlet circa 1973. Relative newcomer Pompeo gives a nicely nuanced performance as a potential love interest/soul mate-in-waiting he meets.
Hoffman and Sarandon are especially effective in their muted emotions that frequently spring freely into painful turmoil. Written and directed by Brad Silberling loosely based on his own true-life account in the tragic murder of his fiancée actress Rebecca Schaeffer.
As touching and heartfelt as it is off the cuff and quirky
posted on 10 Jan 2009People grieve in different ways. In the case of 'Moonlight Mile,' the way people don't grieve may even come into question. There is a crassness involved when people assume they would act different. How do you know unless you're in that exact situation? Brad Silberling writes and directs 'Moonlight Mile,' a film as touching and heartfelt as it is off the cuff and quirky. As in Silberling's other efforts, 'City of Angels' and 'Casper', he has created a film that perhaps overloads on the whim and fanciful but lands as an entirely engrossing experience.Jake Gyllenhaal stars as the fiancée of a woman who is murdered in a small town eatery. We meet him as well as the woman's parents, played by Susan Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman, at the funeral and we are surprised by the lack of emotion of any kind. But what does not surprise us is the undertones of pain. Sarandon's mother hides under a blanket of sarcasm and calloused annoyance of the clichéd behavior shown by family friends and well-wishers. Hoffman's father copes by staying busy. Busy with the funeral, busy with the business, busy with the sick dog, and ultimately busy with the murder trial.If there is a section of the film that can be pointed to as being not on par with the rest of the film it would be the preparation for the trial. Though it makes sense this would be included in this type of story, the tone does not ring true with the rest of the film. There is a strong performance by Holly Hunter as the prosecuting attorney, as she attempts to put the murderer behind bars, or worse.It should be said the film is based in part on the murder of Silberling's own fiancée, actress Rebecca Schaeffer. I feel that real life instance helped with the tone which is somber, yet whimsical. In fact there is a scene that involves a dog puking on the shoes of a hand-wringing relative at the funeral. So how depressing can it possibly be? The very best section of the film encompasses newcomer Ellen Pompeo who plays Bertie. She works at the post office and is enlisted by Gyllenhaal to retrieve the wedding invitations which were never halted. She also tends the local bar where she patiently awaits her boyfriend, who is MIA in Vietnam. She carries her scenes with a veracity that keeps her quirky lovability intertwined with a grievous glow of sadness just aching to get out. She is, of course, Gyllenhaal's moral dilemma. How can he care for his fiancée's family if he is suddenly in love with another girl? There is a subset of people who didn't like this film simply because it allowed it's characters to be human. Not all people grieve like your supposed to on TV. Maybe there isn't a lot of wallowing and screaming. Maybe the emotions are kept within and bubble to the top only momentarily. It is almost always more interesting what emotions an actor can hide rather than an over the top burst.It is also true there is no easy way to swallow 'Moonlight Mile.' There isn't a way in to it's core that is accessible without accepting these people for who they are. It can be hard to accept the whimsy or the humor when we are supposed to be sad that a person has died. It is hard to shift gears into a courtroom drama when we are also put in a position of watching a budding romance. But isn't that true of all of us? Can any of us be compartmentalized as sad or angry or distraught without having to also apply other labels of varying truth? In 'Moonlight Mile' we are not asked to rely on our own senses to complete the story, we need to rely on accepting someone else's. ***.5 out of ****
Not a two-thumbs up response
posted on 04 Jan 2009New heartthrob Jake Gyllenhaal pairs with Oscar winners Susan Sarandon, Dustin Hoffman, and Holly Hunter in screenwriter and director Brad Silberling's Moonlight Mile, but none of these fine actors shines in a hackneyed story that Silberling should have left in the wastepaper basket's darkness.Life goes on after tragedy. Life goes on but with considerable hardship and much searching by all people closely related to the deceased. Everyone else cries a few tears, offers their condolences and maybe a book about dealing with death to the family, and their normal routines ensue.A moviegoer cannot leave the theater without realizing this Truth as the cliché is pushed from the onset of the film. On the way to the cemetery, the procession passes a bride and groom leaving the church, kids playing baseball, people washing their cars, teenagers kissing in the street, and people washing their clothes at the Laundromat.One cannot miss this forced idea and other pushed axioms such as `the truth is hard but the truth will set you free' unless, of course, he or she falls asleep because of the slow-paced story, which would save him or her from having to watch unbelievable characters with unbelievable motives in unbelievable situations.Not all of the characters are unbelievable all of the time. JoJo (Sarandon) and Ben Floss (Hoffman) are not grief-stricken parents who shut themselves off to the world after the unexpected death of their only child. They are humanly inconsistent and create the film's few authentic moments. The conflict between moving on and keeping their daughter, Diana (Careena Melia), alive in memory wears away at their sanity and well-being as they try to bring her killer to justice and go on with their daily activities and work.Joe Nast (Gyllenhaal) keeps Diana alive for JoJo and Ben, but he does not want to be kept. He wants to escape from their confines but will not leave the house because he fears their love will turn to hate if they ever discover the truth. And so he stays.He stays and finds love in a woman who understands his plight and must also deal with her past before she can accept the future. Joe and Birtie Knox (Ellen Pompeo) feel a romantic chemistry almost instantly; unfortunately the audience member will never feel this chemistry and must endure forced dialogue and uncharged moments of intimacy.This film does not deserve many more words. Mundane scenes and hints of possibly interesting subplots that the story fails to explore and develop sap this film's momentum and leave people sleeping in their seats or exiting the theater long before the final credits roll.
Terrific acting!
posted on 01 Nov 2008It was great seeing Dustin Hoffman back on screen again and this is a pretty good film. I gave it a 7 but I was leaning towards an 8 when I voted. Two things that I really respected about this film is the lack of big emotional scenes and the lack of dramatic music. The first point I'm making has to do with the makers of this film not having the customary breaking down and yelling and crying that hollywood would have put in this film at least once. The actors are very mature in their performances as they hold back the dramatics and allow the dialogue and scene speak for itself. There is emotional moments in the film but thankfully they don't go over the top. And secondly there's no sweeping music thats suppose to cue the audience as to what they're suppose to be feeling. I really appreciated that aspect of the film. It doesn't pander to obviousness or phony sentiment. I think that makes the performances stand out even more. Everyone is terrific here. I'll be expecting some oscar nods from this film. Ellen Pompeo is a newcomer and is a real standout. The film does have a coldness about it but so does real life, which the story of this film came from!
Courageous
posted on 30 Oct 2008"Moonlight" is a courageous film to have produced. It is a very dramatic piece that is rivetting from beginning to end. The entire evening was an experience similar to watching a particularly good live theatre work, and I can highly recommend it to the serious filmgoer. I gave it an 8 only because at times it was slow. Dustin Hoffman's performance is subdued and noteworthy.
Good Performances
posted on 22 Oct 2008So what is it really like once a loved one is gone in a senseless moment, and the guests have left after the funeral? For most films, this is a scenario for a tired old plot, and cliches. We all know that in real life it isn't always as dramatic as movies portray it. Moonlight Mile starts out dealing with the idiotic funeral schedules, and the annoying phone calls that won't stop from people wanting to express their sorrow (even from people you can't stand). Then on top of that neat view, the film gives us flawless performances from all the actors involved, and focuses on how the characters move on with their lives.Joe Nast is a young man who lost his fiance in a meaningless murder. His in laws are trying to get on with loosing their daughter particularly Joe's father in law Ben (played by Dustin Hoffman). Ben ends up somewhat in denial in letting out his emotions, that he ends up adopting Joe almost as a replacement for his daughter's absence. Joe, young but lacking confidence for most just turned adult men his age, plays the charade fitting in just so he won't upset anybody particularly Ben. JoJo Joe's almost Mother in law (Susan Sarandon) is more concerned in getting on with life but can't stand Ben's obsession, particularly when Ben decides to make Joe his partner in his commercial real estate ventures (never mind asking Joe if he wants to do that or if he knows anything about that kind of stuff to begin with). The viewer has to sit back and wonder if Joe will get on with his life and say how he really feels, or play lap dog to an adopted family just so they can be happy.That is what makes this film so unique and enjoyable. It's not important in making a court trial, or solving the murder, or bringing someone to justice, it's about focusing on grief and how to deal with it. That's what we all have to deal with when we loose someone.To some degree there are some court-room moments (which are unecessary) taking away some of the flow of the film. Nevertheless, there are so many great performances in the film, and it ends wonderfully with the subtle explanation of where a certain character (Cal) "is".Since the film is so well acted, and its a heart-warming non controversial film filled with many award winning actors, its probably a shoe-in come Oscars in February. However, is it the best film of they year? In my opinion no, but certainly one of the best of the year.Rating 8 out of 10
What a Disappointment - and doesn't Jake G ever talk??!
posted on 26 Sep 2008I really wanted to see this movie, based on the trailers I had seen. I love drama, plus Susan Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman are great actors. Well, I was sorely disappointed. There was not enough story development, plus I couldn't care about any of the actors. And Jake Gyllenhaal - he was the worst! He wandered through the movie not saying much of anything. Just a smirk on his face. He looked like an idiot! How could anyone have been engaged to such a boring, non-communicative young man?? I give it a 1 out of 10.
Don't waste your time
posted on 12 Sep 2008I went to this movie hoping to see some good acting by the like of Dustin Hoffman, Susan Sarandon and Holly Hunter. What I got was a waste of $7.25 and a waste of my time. This moving had nothing going for it. I had no feelings for any character except, possibly, Bertie. Hoffman's Ben was too blind to what was going on, Sarandan's JoJo was too angry at everyone and Gyllenhaal's Joe was too much of a coward. This was an extremely disappointing movie.
An underrated masterpiece.
posted on 10 Sep 2008"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!
Intelligent film--Sarandon and Hoffman are outstanding
posted on 23 Aug 2008"Moonlight Mile" is an intelligent and fascinating
commercial movie. Dustin Hoffman is outstanding, and Susan Sarandon is even better. We are privileged to have two such wonderful actors
playing against each other. Although I am
aware that almost every cinema fan I know
adores Jake Gyllenhaal, I just don't see his
attraction. His boyish appearance, vacant look, long silences, and crooked smile
don't really fit into the part. He reminds
me of Tobey Maguire--same mannerisms,
same blank look, same half smile. For me,
the third great actor in the film was not
Gyllenhaal, but Holly Hunter, in a small
but important supporting role.However, despite my lack of appreciation
for Gyllenhaal's charms, I still found this
movie to be a fine example of what a good
commercial film can be. It takes money to
star Sarandon and Hoffman in your films.
If you can afford to cast these actors in
your movie, how wonderful it is not to
squander their talents on dumbed
down garbage!
What the heck happened?
posted on 16 Jul 2008If there was a better film made in 2002, I'd like someone to tell me what it was. I don't remember it playing in Ft. Lauderdale and only rented it to get my quota at Netflix for the month of March. I had the same feeling at the beginning, that I got when I saw "Crimes of the Heart". This movie is supposed to be a heavy drama! If so, why am I laughing out loud? I mean you don't laugh when someone's daughter has been shot by an insane person. But, the more I watched Susan Sarandon's reactions to the grieving crowd at the funeral, I realized she was emoting the same feelings I've always had.
Funerals are not held to honor the dead. They're a big show for the living, filled with phony sympathy by friends and neighbors who hardly knew the deceased.
I quickly logged onto RottenTomatoes.com to see the consensus of professional reviewers. I was amazed to see the glowing praise. The critics had seen the same film that I had, and they loved it! Susan Sarandon is always great, but in this movie, she tops herself, giving probably the most overlooked performance of the year. Where was the Oscar nominating committee when they chose five mediocre performances over Susan's? Dustin Hoffman had a field day, playing one of his best roles. In the DVD, we're rewarded with a number of deleted scenes. two, in particular, with Holly Hunter, looking and acting better than she has in years. Jake, well, how many words of praise can be lauded on his performance? This kid had got it! He's an amazing talent with a huge career ahead of him. It was interesting to watch the documentary on the DVD. The director/writer "listened" to his award-winning cast and used their ideas and feedback, giving them full control of the characters they were portraying. Most directors today, are good film makers without knowing the first thing about acting. It's easier to stage a car race or a helicopter explosion, than it is to get true honesty from his actors. This is one time where the director what to do and how much freedom to give his cast. The result is magnificent.
As I stated in the beginning of this piece, this movie ranks high above all other films made during 2002 OR 2001 OR 2000 OR...
Maqic of Ellen
posted on 16 Jul 2008Actually I can't be objective about that movie because of Bertie Knox (Ellen Pompeo)and I want to focus on her. Dustin Hofman, Susan Sarandon and Jake Gllynhall were really great but for me Ellen Pompeo was the real star of Moonlight Mile . I saw a lot of character like Bertie in the movies before. Desperate and sad small town girl but non of them were acted as real as Bertie. Every man in this world easily in love with this character which Ellen Pompeo gave life. Ellen Pompeo will be or must be a great Hollywood star in the future. She have a gift, she can touch the souls of viewers from white curtain when you watch her, you want to share her sadness. Moonlight Mile was a great film. Congrulations Ellen Pompeo and all other crew of the movie.
Three hankie special but quite well written
posted on 18 Jun 2008Excellent dialog. Perhaps too heavy for some, but it really moved me. The performances were very strong, though Dustin Hoffman and Jake G. are type cast a bit. Great job by Susan Sarandon and Ellen Pompeo. It did not really hold together, but it had wonderful moments and these days I will take that.....
I thought it pretty much stunk!
posted on 02 Jun 2008Is it just me or could it really be that the only reason Susan Sarandon
takes a role these days is to push her agenda? Her character in the movie is exactly how I envision her to be in real life. She always has an axe to grind. Right of the bat, in the movie, she makes her signature remarks about Republicans and anyone stupid enough to vote for them. What is it with these hollywood types that think they are so high and mighty? The fact that they think they stand on higher ground than the public at large is laughable. I so disliked her character and her portrayal that it blinded me to any good thing that may have been in this movie.
Simply exquisite
posted on 20 Aug 2009This is an absolute gem of a movie. The script is absolutely delicious, the acting out-standing and to put it bluntly, this film is brilliant.Joe Nast's (Gyllenhaal) world suddenly becomes very claustrophobic when his fiance, Diana, is shot dead. Now Joe is stuck in Diana's child-hood home with her two grieving parents; Jo-Jo (Sarandon) and Ben (Hoffman) who both deal with their loss in very different ways. Ben wants to keep moving, not slow down long enough to feel the pain of it all while Jo-Jo just lets her emotions run rampant.
Joe, meanwhile, doesn't know what to do with himself. Does he stay in the small town, and go into commercial real-estate with Diana's father? Or does he leave, and find out what he wants to do?
The second choice becomes increasingly tempting when Joe meets local waitress and postal-employee, Bertie (Pompeo), who is dealing with the loss of her own loved one, Cal, who left for Vietnam 3 years ago and doesnt look to ever be coming back. Joe and Bertie reluctantly fall for each other, and the relationship and trial of Diana's murderer propels Joe to confront all of his battling emotions and release a secret he's been desperately trying to communicate to Jo-Jo and Ben.Gyllenhaal, Sarandon, Hoffman and even new-comer Pompeo are absolutely magnificent. There is a comedic twist in Moonlight Mile, which they all play very well, but know when to shift gears and tug the audience's heart strings. Each deliver a beautiful performance with the help of director and writer Brad Silberling, a genius who you should be sure to be on the look out for.I have read some real hair-pulling comments about this remarkable film. Some people have seriously bagged the hell out of it. But these are the same people who couldnt even realize where they pulled the title 'moonlight mile' from. For those idiots, it came from Bertie's song 'Moonlight Mile' by the Rolling Stones that Joe plays on the jukebox.Dont be fooled. This film can appear slow at times, but if you stick with it, you realize that every single sentence, every solitary scene, has a deeper meaning. Take the symbolism of the 'watches' for example. This is a smart film, dont expect to just sit there and not have to do any thinking- absorb it, cheesy as it sounds, it truly is magnificent. appreciate moonlight mile, dont just write it off like some loser's have.