Genres

Visitors Review

James Kendrick 2012-05-24 12:34:42

both quirky and very serious, and it seems mired in its inability to decide exactly what it is

jdab 2012-05-24 10:17:18

Good, not great, still worth seeing

****possible spoilers****You can count me in with the people who find this to be a good *** film thathad the potential to be even better. First, the acting by Hoffmann,Sarandon, and especially Jake Gyllenhaal is fantastic. Second, thesoundtrack is the best I've heard in a long, long time. What I especiallyliked about it was that many of the songs are more obscure songs from famousartists. The song Moonlight Mile is one of my faves by the Stones, but it'salso not a hit. The same goes for the excellent Dylan selections off ofBlood on the Tracks. I applaud the filmmakers for not being obvious intheir choices.Unfortunately, good acting and a good soundtrack do not a great movie make. For starters, as others have noted, the script is very clunky in parts. Sarandon's character seems to be written as a spunky sit-com Mom in need ofProzac. Sometimes the attempts at profundity come off as forced andunrealistic. Not to mention the fact that Joe's courtroom speech when hefinally tells the truth would have been cut short by numerous objectionsfrom the defense lawyer.Still, it is interesting enough to be worth a look, especially if you like"uplifting" (i.e simple) resolutions to your films. If you want to see atruly challenging and heart-rending version of death and loss, please watchAtom Egoyan's The Sweet Hereafter.

Eric Lurio 2012-05-16 13:17:36

There's a keen intelligence in the writing that manages to convey that these are real people and not just cut-outs.

rbverhoef 2012-05-16 04:25:01

Great acting is enough

This is a very well acted movie that deals with a sudden loss in a family ina better way than I would expect. The movie avoids the usual clichés andthrough some very strong performances shows us how it could really be. Thedead person is the daughter of Ben (Dustin Hoffman) and Jojo (SusanSarandon), her fiancé named Joe (Jake Gyllenhaal) is now living with them.The girl was murdered, simply because she was in the wrong place at thewrong time. Now Ben and Joe go into business together and the all try tolive on in their own ways. Joe befriends a girl named Bertie Knox (EllenPompeo) who also has lost someone.Like I said the subject is handled in a very good way. May be the moviemakes some easy choices, especially near the end, but the acting is so goodand real here that the movie is easily forgiven. Gyllenhaal plays the samekind of part as he did in 'Donnie Darko' and 'The Good Girl', not the mosthappy one. He has the best single scene, although overall veterans Hoffmanand Sarandon are as good as he is. The best thing though is Ellen Pompeo.Her character has a certain sweetness and nice way of dealing with thingsand Pompeo finds the perfect note for playing this part. See it for theacting and you will find a lot more.

2012-05-13 18:32:28

Good performances allow film to get beyond cliches

Moonlight Mile is a film that almost challenges cynical audiences to roll their eyes at a story that could easily become maudlin and entirely predictable. Good performances and a story that sometimes veers in unexpected directions prevents this from happening, if just barely. Ben and JoJo (Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandon) are parents whose daughter has recently been murdered. Joe (Jake Gyllenhaal), who was about to marry the girl, moves in with the grieving parents. So far, this is a typical play-like scenario that promises a series of melodramatic and eventually tedious scenes. Movies that begin with the loss of a loved one are vehicles for stars to give performances that many critics will dutifully call "Oscar worthy." The actors in this case do quite well with this material and manage to make the characters real people. Susan Sarandon always brings a certain intelligence and sophistication to her roles and this is no exception. It is easy to sympathize withJoJo's exasperation with "well meaning" neighbors. Hoffman, too, is a veteran who can usually be counted upon to bring something original to a character. Ben is a fairly complicated, and in some ways weak personality. He leans on his would-be son-in-law for support, pressuring him to enter a career in commercial real estate that the boy is obviously only lukewarm about. I could have done without the ultimately pointless parallels to The Graduate (Hoffman's character in that classic was also named Benjamin and Gyllenhaal's shyness and uncertainty are reminiscent of the Ben from that film). The movie is set in the 70s in a small New England town. One reason for using an earlier period is probably that today it would seem less likely that a young man would feel as much obligation to his in-laws as Joe does here. There are also some very good supporting roles. Holly Hunter is the prosecuting attorney who counsels the family on how to ensure that the girl's killer gets appropriately punished. The scene where she asks them how they feel about the death penalty is a good example of a realistically done awkward conversation. Ellen Pompeo is a postal worker who Joe is attracted to; this new relationship complicates matters with his new adopted family. Moonlight Mile is not perfect, but it manages to sustain an authentic and interesting atmosphere for the duration.

Haladin 2012-05-13 14:14:24

Disappointing and painful

I was expecting more from a movie with a cast like this. What I saw was a bad attempt at a sentimental tearjerker. The presence of two great Academy Award winning actors couldn't save this stinker of a movie. Not to mention that this thing was extremely boring. I can't belive that Jake Gyllenhaal's character didn't react with any anger or seeming grief over the death of his fiance. I mean, come on, at least Dustin Hoffman cried in this movie. Jake Gyllenhaal just looked like he needed a nap through the whole thing. I wasted eight bucks and the cost of gas on this turkey.

moonspinner55 2012-05-06 14:59:08

Hoffman gives a loose, likable performance; otherwise, "Mile" peters out in the stretch...

One of those well-intentioned, star-studded duds which fade fastdespite getting a full endorsement from "Entertainment Tonight". Quirkymarried couple grieves in different ways over the murder of theirdaughter, while their once-future son-in-law, living with the mercurialtwosome since the tragedy, feels the agreeable pull of family yetharbors a guilty secret. Only in a few sequences does the director geta rhythm going (all of them scored, rather curiously, to rock tunesfrom the '70s such as T.Rex's "20th Century Boy"!). Apparently theimpetus of this script was based on fact, but these characters (cutesyin their conversations, sneaking cigarettes and digging up flossy bitsof colorful memory) resemble nobody, living or dead. This is the kindof movie where there are two main characters named Joe, the son-in-lawand the wife (Jo, for Josephine). There's also a ready-made follow-upgirlfriend for Jake Gyllenhaal (who lets his round eyes do most of hisacting; smiling and muttering while feigning sensitivity or callowhumor). Dustin Hoffman comes off the best with a loose performance, butpoor Susan Sarandon, acting like a benumbed former-hippie, has the veryworst scenes (she even gets to drop in a line about being a Democrat;are all Democrats 50-ish flower children?). Lazy, dim anduncharismatic, "Moonlight Mile" doesn't go the distance. *1/2 from ****

(CNN.com) Paul Clinton 2012-05-06 03:08:58

There are wonderful moments of humor, and demonstrations of humanity, strength, and the resilience of the human spirit.

2012-05-05 15:07:19

Poignant and Brilliant

Rarely does a movie handle death so smoothly. Moonlight Mile shines as we see all the stages of grief without dwelling on the grief itself. Jake Gyllenhall, one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood, is both vulnerable and strong, reeling us in. Hoffman and Sarandon display their usual brilliance. This is seriously the greatest movie of all time. It has something for everyone: drama, humor, romance, and suspense, and above all it shows that losing a loved one doesn't have to end one's own life.

Paul Arendt 2012-05-04 19:29:00

'A big, comforting, baked potato of a film.'

Jeremy Heilman 2012-05-02 09:07:52

Since Silberling withholds so much information in [it], he doesn't come any closer to the truth than if he had set hankies in motion with the most melodramatic scenario possible. The film becomes a manipulation of a different, more insidious sort.

Michael 2012-05-01 19:07:35

Like life; it's heartbreaking, funny and touching all at once.

Moonlight Mile is loosely inspired by writer/director Brad Silberling's ownexperiences. He was dating actress Rebecca Schaeffer at the time she waskilled by an obsessed fan in 1989.The film is set in the early 70's and centers around Joe Nast (JakeGyllenhaal), a young man who's fiancee has been killed. He quickly findshimself playing surrogate son to the girls grieving parents (Dustin Hoffmanand Susan Sarandon). Moonlight examines the stress of moving on and howpeople relate to each other when the things they share in common are takenaway. It's also an interesting and different take on how we all react todeath.The film is touching and well written. It is in truth a comedy that happensto center around a tragedy. Silberling creates a beautiful tapestry of Cameron Crowe-esc characters that are a joy to be with, but just happen tobe going through a dark period in their lives. The cast is amazing and it isa shame the Academy has such short memories. Also like Crowe's films, itfeatures a wonderful rock inspired score. The personal nature of the subject matter comes through, creating apoignant, but more importantly truthful film about the grieving process. While thoughts of death may scares off many viewer, it shouldn't. You mayneed a few tissues, but over all Moonlight Miles provides more laughs thantears.

jdgomes 2012-04-30 09:56:47

Don't waste your time

I went to this movie hoping to see some good acting by the like of DustinHoffman, Susan Sarandon and Holly Hunter. What I got was a waste of $7.25and a waste of my time. This moving had nothing going for it. I had nofeelings for any character except, possibly, Bertie. Hoffman's Ben wastooblind to what was going on, Sarandan's JoJo was too angry at everyone andGyllenhaal's Joe was too much of a coward. This was an extremelydisappointing movie.

2012-04-29 20:57:42

Imperfect but Poignant Portrait of a Family Coping with Loss

Moonlight Mile is a drama set in small town America in the early 1970's. Joe (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a young man whose finance, Diana, has recently died. JoJo and Ben (Susan Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman) are the deceased woman's grieving parents. Joe struggles to move beyond the emotional and material expectations which his broken engagement has left him to fulfill, trying not to disappoint his would-be in-laws while at the same time wanting to embark on a new life and a new relationship with a woman he has recently met. Joe, JoJo, and Ben each try to find ways to move past their loss and into the future, which may require acknowledging some unpleasant facts about the past.The performances of Susan Sarandon and Dustin Hoffman are top-notch as you would expect from such experienced thespians. Jake Gyllenhaal's performance is uneven. His character, Joe, is an introverted man who speaks very little, so Gyllenhaal often must communicate Joe's thoughts and emotional state with expressions alone. In some scenes he does a fine job of it; in others Joe's blank looks are conspicuous. On the other hand, Gyllenhaal does some very good work in scenes that have more dialogue. Susan Sarandon is on-target as JoJo, a plainspoken and somewhat overbearing woman who is trying to find her way back into life after the loss of her only child and finding that the emotional tools that she normally employs are not quite getting the job done. Dustin Hoffman plays Ben, JoJo's husband and father of the deceased, whose only immediate consolation for his daughter's death is found in an awkward relationship with his would-be son-in-law, Joe. Ellen Pompeo plays the part of Bertie, the woman with whom Joe finds new love. And Holly Hunter has a small part as the lawyer prosecuting the man who is responsible for Diane's death.My greatest criticism of this film is that it contains a courtroom scene in which a witness is allowed to launch unimpeded into a long, emotionally pivotal (and narratively helpful) monologue. Somehow I don't think such a thing would get very far in a courtroom without eliciting an objection. Chalk it up to artistic license, but that scene stuck out in what was otherwise a credible account of people searching for a way to move forward after experiencing great loss. The monologue itself is believable, but not in a courtroom. I recommend Moonlight Mile for its strong performances and the fact that it shows people dealing with the death of a loved one in what is ultimately a very functional manner. Moonlight Mile differs from In The Bedroom, a film that deals with similar issues, in that the directing style is not as melodramatic as In The Bedroom.

2012-04-29 00:32:12

Truth and Lies

Tormented with the truth. I really loved this movie. It made me think and the acting was superb. I cried, I laughed, I cried once more.

kjp-5 2012-04-28 18:28:59

excellent, honest, real film

The acting is fantastic in this movie! Dustin Hoffman and Susan Sarandonarefabulous, newcomer Ellen Pompeo is a far better version of Rene Zellwegerand the young Jake Gyllenhaal is stunning in his range of emotionsportrayed. A thoroughly enjoyable film from beginning to end because oftheelements of comedy, drama and real-life feelings that are explored. Ireally, really liked this movie and knew absolutely nothing about it goingto see it. Excellent direction, obviously, judging by the final resultachieved. I highly recommend this movie to anyone with a penchant for agoodstory and a non-typical American tale. This type of tragedy happens allthetime in America and isn't explored from this point of view on film. Welldone.

Sean Burns 2012-04-28 15:01:01

Sure, I hated myself in the morning. But then again, I hate myself most mornings. I still like Moonlight Mile, better judgment be damned.

ms1720 2012-04-28 03:57:50

In the bedroom with an uplifting theme!

This movie is undeniably an emotional twister ride, but it makes you wanttoride it again. This movie has a similar theme to In The Bedroom.Imagine amovie that deals with death as a part of life, grief with comfort inothers,anger of loss. Imagine a movie that deals with relationships betweenstrangers and family, love and hate. Imagine the struggle betweenaccountability and being hurtful, living your life for someone else tohelpthem and fulfilling your desires......now imagine that the movie is notthewaste of time In the Bedroom was and you've got THE MOONLIGHT MILE.(doesthis speech remind you of Matthew McConaughey in A Time To Kill? I hopeso)OK. This movie is fantastic. It is worth seeing. It has SusanSarandon'sbest performance since Dead Man Walking. Dustin Hoffman is steady as arockthroughout and Jake Gyllenhaal seems as if he stumbles into nailing theroleperfectly. And Ellen Pompeo is such a natural beauty. This is a muchmoreupbeat way of dealing with the only guarantee in life (which is death)thanin the bedroom, city of angels (which is also done by brad siberling) oranything else I've seen recently. It is very real and honest and notenoughmovies can be this way....deeply depressing for moments, hopeful forothers,and times where you're not sure how they'll react. But everything fits.Ithas a great script and the soundtrack is really fitting for the movie.I'mnot sure what the hell the user Li-1 was talking about when he said thismovie's soundtrack was a ripoff of American Beauty....NONE OF THE SONGSARETHE SAME EINSTEIN!!!I'm giving this movie a 10/10 even though it's really a 9/10 becauseotherpeople leaving reviews are not rating it accurately.RENT THIS MOVIE. WATCH IT TWICE.

2012-04-26 04:34:50

Great

Moonlight Mile has a great story (and script) and superb acting from everyone. It's a change from Silberling's Casper, but like the friendly ghost movie, it too is a well done and enjoyable film.

Ross Anthony 2012-04-25 18:10:11

Mostly honest, this somber picture reveals itself slowly, intelligently, artfully.