Moonstruck Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A widow gets engaged, then gets love-bit by her fiancé’s estranged brother, and everyone yells a lot, especially at breakfast.

🍿 Moonstruck: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Proposal and a Tradition

Loretta Castorini, a widowed bookkeeper from Brooklyn, accepts a marriage proposal from Johnny Cammareri, a man she likes but doesn’t love. Determined to avoid the bad luck that she believes plagued her first marriage, Loretta insists on following tradition meticulously. Johnny departs for Sicily to be with his ailing mother, tasking Loretta with inviting his estranged brother, Ronny, to the wedding.

The Baker and the Widow

Loretta seeks out Ronny, a baker with a volatile temperament and a wooden hand, the result of an accident he blames on Johnny. Their meeting is charged with tension and unspoken attraction. Ronny reveals his bitterness and resentment towards his brother, explaining that Johnny caused him to lose his hand. A passionate encounter ensues, leading them both down a path of forbidden love.

Under the Influence of the Moon

As the full moon casts its spell, Loretta and Ronny grapple with their feelings. Loretta, bound by tradition and duty, attempts to resist the intense connection she feels with Ronny. Simultaneously, Loretta’s mother, Rose, deals with her own marital issues, suspecting her husband, Cosmo, of infidelity, adding another layer of familial complexity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Loretta Castorini (Cher): A pragmatic widow who finds unexpected passion when she falls for her fiancé’s estranged brother.
• Ronny Cammareri (Nicolas Cage): A passionate and brooding baker who blames his brother for his lost hand and finds unexpected love with his brother’s fiancée.
• Rose Castorini (Olympia Dukakis): Loretta’s wise and observant mother who suspects her husband of infidelity and contemplates the nature of men and love.
• Cosmo Castorini (Vincent Gardenia): Loretta’s father, a successful plumber who is secretly having an affair and struggling with his marriage.
• Mr. Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello): Loretta’s initially unsuspecting fiancé, a kind but somewhat simple man who is superstitious about his mother’s health.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rose: “When you love them, they drive you crazy because they know they can.” – Rose explains to Loretta why liking someone is better than loving them in a conversation about Johnny.
• Ronny: “I lost my hand! I lost my bride!” – Ronny dramatically recounts the story of how he lost his hand and fiancée due to his brother Johnny’s actions.
• Loretta: “Snap out of it!” – Loretta slaps Ronny in the face when he declares his love for her, trying to deny her own feelings.
• Rose: “Why do men chase women?” – Rose asks this question, pondering her husband’s infidelity and the nature of men’s desires.
• Rose: “Because they fear death.” – Rose answers her own question, explaining her theory about why men chase women to Perry.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $80,640,528
• Worldwide Gross: $80,646,431

💥 Moonstruck Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘Moonstruck’! The movie is just so full of heart and humor. The scene where Loretta slaps Ronny and yells ‘Snap out of it!’ is iconic. It’s such a feel-good movie that always puts a smile on my face, and I find the family dynamics both hilarious and heartwarming. The opera scene was so beautifully done and really made me feel the passion between Loretta and Ronny.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in Italian-American culture”
  • “Admirers of Cher, Nicolas Cage, and Olympia Dukakis”
  • “People who appreciate witty dialogue and character-driven stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief scenes of sensuality”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Infidelity is a theme”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Norman Jewison’s ‘Moonstruck’ is a delightfully quirky and romantic comedy that celebrates love, family, and Italian-American culture. Cher delivers a captivating performance, and the supporting cast is equally brilliant. The film’s charm and humor make it a timeless classic.
• Variety: “‘Moonstruck’ is a rare gem that seamlessly blends comedy and romance. The film’s sharp writing, stellar performances, and authentic portrayal of Italian-American life make it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. Cher and Nicolas Cage shine in their respective roles.
• RogerEbert.com: “While ‘Moonstruck’ has its flaws, it is undeniable charm and humor make it a worthwhile watch. Cher’s performance is commendable, and the film’s exploration of love and family is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. The movie is overall a positive and entertaining experience.

Audience Reactions

The movie’s exploration of family dynamics and relationships resonated deeply with viewers.: The authentic portrayal of Italian-American culture and the film’s sharp, witty dialogue were praised.

Cher’s performance as Loretta was widely celebrated and lauded by fans.: The movie’s quirky humor and heartwarming story were also celebrated.

Overall Consensus: ‘Moonstruck’ is a beloved romantic comedy that is praised for its heartwarming story, sharp wit, and authentic portrayal of Italian-American culture. The film is considered a classic.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1988
2. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1988
3. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1988

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Nicolas Cage’s screen test didn’t impress the studio, and they wanted someone else to play Ronny. Cher insisted that Cage was the one to play that role and threatened to quit unless he was hired. After a few days, the studio relented.”
• “John Patrick Shanley wrote the screenplay with a deep understanding of Italian-Americans living in New York, capturing the idiosyncrasies of these people and their day-to-day foibles and quirks.”

🖥️ How to Watch Moonstruck?

Moonstruck is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Moonstruck, you might like these similar films:

• My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Shares the theme of a romantic comedy centered around a close-knit ethnic family and cultural traditions.
• Crossing Delancey (1988): Set in New York City, with similar themes around family expectations, romance, and ethnic identity.
• While You Were Sleeping (1995): Features mistaken identity and falling for someone’s brother as a central plot point.
• Prizzi’s Honor (1985): Dark comedy that humorously explores the lives and relationships of a quirky Italian-American family.

🛒 Moonstruck Related Products

• Moonstruck (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition of the classic film, with special features including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Moonstruck Movie Poster: Classic poster from the original movie release. A great display piece to show your love for the movie
• Moonstruck: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Digital download of the film’s soundtrack, featuring iconic songs like ‘That’s Amore’ and selections from La Bohème.
• Moonstruck-Inspired Italian Cookbook: A cookbook featuring classic Italian recipes inspired by the dishes featured in the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Moonstruck features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “That’s Amore” – performed by Dean Martin
• “La Bohème” – performed by Giacomo Puccini

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cher Wins Best Actress | 60th Oscars (1988)

Ever wondered what Cher said when she won her Oscar for Moonstruck? This acceptance speech is pure gold, and her outfit is absolutely unforgettable. You HAVE to see this!

Nicolas Cage Rewatches National Treasure, Moonstruck, Dream Scenario & More | Vanity Fair

Nicolas Cage rewatches scenes from Moonstruck and explains why he had missing teeth in the film. He has the BEST stories, and you’ll hear some of the funniest stories in film history.

Olympia Dukakis on Moonstruck: “That Changed My Whole Life”

Olympia Dukakis talks about how winning an Oscar for Moonstruck changed her entire life! She says it was never the same. See what all the hype was about.

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