zkonedog "The Man In The Moon" is one of those films that I'd seen bits and parts of on TV all the time, but never quite seen all the way start-to-finish. As a big fan of Reese Whitherspoon, I finally decided to give it a rent and watch it properly. What I found is that despite the fact that I'm not nearly the target audience for this type of picture (I'm a 30-year old male), anyone who enjoys emotional films (and isn't that kind of the point of film?) will find something to relate to in this one.For a basic plot summary, "Man in the Moon" focuses on 14-year old Dani (Whiterspoon) entering her adolescence in 1950s farm country. Her parents, Matthew (Sam Waterston) & Abigail (Tess Harper), are as salt-of-the-earth as they come, while Dani also looks up to older sister Maureen (Emily Warfield). One summer, Dani discovers that an "older boy" (older teenaged) has moved in down the way, and Court (Jason London) becomes the object of her burgeoning sexuality and adolescence in general. Does Court really like her, or is he just stringing her along? Feelings (especially those of the "first" variety) are complicated, and this is what Dani must discover as life continues to roll on despite her desire to have everything work out perfectly.Like I said, it is easy to classify "Man In The Moon" as a "chick flick", and I can absolutely see why that is. The "gist" of the film is about a teenaged girl dealing with her feelings; the only thing separating it from hundreds of other more contemporary films just like it being the period setting.However, I am the type of person who likes to try and look past such labels and find good films no matter what their reputation may say. I'm glad I did in this case, as "Man In The Moon" is really a well-made film in many aspects. Though I've never personally experienced the angst of teenage girl adolescence, I did go through an adolescence of my own and have younger sisters that somewhat help me relate. I think the point here is that this isn't a film that "only girls/women can enjoy".Generally speaking, the cast of this film is solid, but it is truly Whitherspoon's performance that vaults into "cult classic" territory. In this her introductory film performance at the age of 14, Reese shows exactly why she would go on to have an acclaimed, Oscar-winning career. Even in a film that can, admittedly, get a bit cheesy and sappy at times, Reese is always the magnet that your attention will be drawn to. I'd be hard pressed to name another performance this good from someone this young (she is in practically every scene!).Thus, despite not really having the scope or production value to be an "all-time classic" piece of cinema, "Man In The Moon" will tug at your heartstrings for its portrayal of those delicate, confusing, and incredibly exciting teenage years. It will hit closest to home with females, I would imagine, but I'm proof that all ages can enjoy a film that is obviously made with such care and features such mesmerizing acting from the lead player.

James Colver The Man in the Moon is a very special movie that I've held close to my heart. I remember seeing it in the theater when I was only 12. The movie perfectly captures the human experience between 2 sisters who whose love for each other is temporarily compromised by the passion they share for a boy. The boy inevitably falls for the older sister who's similar in age and the younger is left heartbroken and betrayed. Yet there was so much more. The transcending quality of this movie is that it captures so many perspectives and experiences from other characters who share in this summertime drama. It captures the loving father who's must help his daughters reconcile after the boys tragic death. The older mother who in her youth also experienced what it was like to be 1 of 2 girls that a boy had to choose whom to love. Her historical perspective from this past experience proved that 2 women can still be good friends after the choice is made, and this message foreshadows her daughters experience too. And lastly it captures the experience for a teenage boy who must take care if his mother, and younger brothers after his father suddenly dies. As he juggles his overwhelming adult responsibilities he tries to maintain a mere friendship with a younger girl who personally feels much more. The overwhelming love he feels for the older sister is conflicted by his guilt in knowing that his friend will ultimately feel betrayed. There are many aspects of this movie that one can appreciate. The movie wasn't predictable and I was surprised by several turns that it took. Best of all, I personally think that what makes this movie magical is how at the ending there is no clear antagonist, or protagonist. In real life one is loved by many and also hated by others. A simple minded movie would lead one to believe that a villain always remains a bad person forever. However, real life is much more complex. When a story patiently captures each characters perspective it transcends at that point to more closely resembling real-life. I think each person who watches this movie will take away something a little different from it. In my youth I identified best with the young girl because I too was not chosen by someone who I cared deeply for. Later as an adult I identify much more with the father. I only wish more people gave this timeless work the attention it truly deserves.

plutus1947 I know this movie was made over 20 years ago but it is still a movie everyone can watch and enjoy This was Reese Witherspoon's movie debut and could arguably be her best performance to date, even though her superb performance in 'Walk The Line' was certainly deserving of the Oscar she won We must neither forget all the other movies she has made, notably the two 'Legally Blonde' movies She made this movie when she was 14/15 and her superb acting ability was plain to see from the outset SPOILER BEGINS Reese plays Dani Trant an adolescent teenage tomboy who falls in love with a boy a few years older than herself, Court Foster, played by Jason London. She got her first kiss from him.Unfortunately for Dani she has an older sister, Maureen, played by Emily Warfield and when Maureen and Court meet it is love at first sight Although this obviously caused a rift between the two sisters and was possibly going to tear them apart forever, events took a tragic turn when Court was killed in a tractor accident From this tragedy eventually Dani and Maureen managed to find a way to heal their differences SPOILER ENDS The script was extremely tastefully written and an ideal baptism on the silver screen for Reese The acting on everyones part was wonderful, but Rees Witherspoon I must say did steal the show The direction by Robert Mulligan was excellent and the setting of the movie was also very well thought out.I give this movie a 9 rating and would thoroughly recommend it to everyone.

Brian T. Whitlock (GOWBTW) Reese Witherspoon makes her film debut in "The Man in the Moon". Reese plays Daniel Trant, a 14 year-old country girl who would rather be out in the neighbor's than doing chores in the house. In the pond, she meets a new neighbor named Court(Jason London) who at first couldn't stand each other. But on the way to accompany him to the grocery store, they seem to get along pretty well. Meanwhile, Dani's sister Maureen(Emily Warfield) has a boyfriend of her own who happens to come on way too strong to her. Both Dani and Maureen share a bond that could never be broken. Especially, when gets advice on how to kiss. Court and Dani are getting along better, but somehow, there are some heated issues brewing between them. During a late night swim, a storm breaks, and Dani's mother goes looking for her. She would trip, and fall on her stomach. She is pregnant with her fourth child. Only suffered a head injury, the baby is fine. Court would later take interest in Maureen. Following making love, he goes out in the field, only to get injured in a farming accident. Hurt by both, Dani resent her sister. Court later dies from his injuries, and Dani is too angry to comfort her sister. Her father said that they'll be sisters for life no matter what. And he told Dani if she's still mad she should dig a hole and cover herself with the dirt. Cause staying mad at Maureen won't bring Court back. So it's best to bury the anger. And the bond is back. First love is always going to be awkward from some, this movie helps how to understand, and to show forgiveness to others. Very helpful I shall say. 4 out of 5 stars.