While this review is generally negative, I want to make a positive point first. Another poster here noted that 'Moonlight Mile' is so much better than, for example, the trite cartoons of Quentin Tarantino. I agree. This film attempts to deal honestly with the human condition.
But the film doesn't work. To see why, I suggest comparing it with 'In the Bedroom' or 'Summer of 42' or 'Passion Fish' which all deal more or less with similar subject matter. 'Moonlight Mile' attempts to be a Robert Mulligan movie but without Robert Mulligan. In a similar vein, the story is set in Massachusetts but in actual fact, the characters are from Hollywood.
I don't regret having rented it. The mostly B-side, late 1960s, early 1970s music is omnipresent, and I was always waiting for the next tune to come along. The movie is slow, usually serious but sometimes funny. It held my interest, but there were too many false notes.
But the film doesn't work. To see why, I suggest comparing it with 'In the Bedroom' or 'Summer of 42' or 'Passion Fish' which all deal more or less with similar subject matter. 'Moonlight Mile' attempts to be a Robert Mulligan movie but without Robert Mulligan. In a similar vein, the story is set in Massachusetts but in actual fact, the characters are from Hollywood.
I don't regret having rented it. The mostly B-side, late 1960s, early 1970s music is omnipresent, and I was always waiting for the next tune to come along. The movie is slow, usually serious but sometimes funny. It held my interest, but there were too many false notes.