I saw Moonstruck for the first time in years the other day and it holds up. Sure, I like it because it was filmed in and around Carroll Cardens where I lived from 1994-2000 (when I first moved there Cammareri bakery was still around). But it also because it makes me laugh. The script is occasionally too cute–repeating lines in a predictable theatrical rhythm like when Cher’s parents both react to the news of her getting married: “Again?”–but it never becomes painful.
And I love the actors (Danny Aiello, Vincent Gardenia, and the great Julie Bovasso), with the exception of Olympia Dukakis, whose performance I don’t buy. But still, she doesn’t ruin anything and the leads are great–man, wasn’t Nic Cage good at one time? And Cher, was beautiful and funny.
Love this film! Even if I disagree with you about Olympia Dukakis (whos performance I did buy) and Nic Cage (who has always been waaaay too over the top for me). See? Something for everyone to love. :)
1) Ha! Touche. It's funny, there are exchanges that could fall flat in less capable hands.
Johnny: In time you will see that this is the best thing.
Loretta: In time you'll drop dead and I'll come to your funeral in a red dress.
You can see that coming a mile away but Cher is all over him and it's funny.
Norman Jewison should also get a lot of credit for the pacing and the timing.