A Walk On The Moon
USA - 1999
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Movie Review By Erik Petersen
"A Walk On The Moon" is set during the summer of sixty-nine, the summer of love, at a resort in the Catskills. Pearl Kantrowitz, played by Diane Lane, and her husband Marty, played by Liev Schreiber, have come to the resort with their two children and the kids' grandmother for a few weeks of lazy card games and late night campfires. During the week though Marty must return to New York City for his job, leaving behind the family until the following weekend. It's during his absence that Pearl begins her flirtation with the backward named Walker Jerome, a vagabond salesman who frequents the resort, played by Viggo Mortensen.
Filled with young Jewish families who seek refuge from the stifling heat of the city, the resort is the kind of place where a hack comedienne recites stale jokes and the waiters serve limp lasagna. Basically like "Dirty Dancing" without the dancing. Well unless you count the stoned swaying during the Woodstock scene. Yes the characters make the pilgrimage to the mythic festival.
Directed by Tony Goldwyn, who began his career as an actor, this film marks his directorial debut. You can tell an actor directed this film because it's essentially a character piece but with a great cast. Anna Paquin, who recently starred in the teen comedy "She's All That" once again shows her range as Alison, Pearl's daughter, who's wrestling with her own coming of age issues. Schreiber is also excellent as a working stiff and all around mench who'll do anything for his family. But the film belongs to Lane.
I must admit I've adored Diane Lane since she starred in Coppola's "The Outsiders" and "Rumble Fish." She mesmerized me in the silly "Streets of Fire", hell I even saw her in the small film "My New Gun." Let's face it I have a serious Diane Lane fixation. Am I alone? Maybe but if you share my, let's say appreciation, for Ms. Lane's abilities then youíll enjoy "A Walk On The Moon." Not much happens but the acting is heartfelt. As weightless as a summer breeze it too is soon just a memory.
© 1999 - Erik Petersen - Air Date: 3/31/99
