Synopsis
In a small coastal California town, Henry and Nicky are pals from blue collar families with only a short time before they ship off to World War II. Henry begins romancing new-to-town Caddie Winger, believing her to be wealthy. Mischievous and irresponsible, Nicky gets into trouble which forces the other two to become involved, testing their relationship, as well as the friendship between the boys.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Sean PennHenry 'Hopper' Nash
- Nicolas CageNicky / Bud
- Elizabeth McGovernCaddie Winger
- John KarlenMr. Nash
- Rutanya AldaMrs. Nash
- Max ShowalterMr. Arthur, Piano Teacher
- Crispin GloverGatsby Boy
- Barbara HowardGatsby Girl
- Bob MaroffAl
- Carol KaneAnnie the Hooker
Recommendations
- 100
Miami Herald
Make no mistake, Racing With the Moon is a modest film; that's one of the reasons it works so well, being a meticulously made miniature. And it's a joy. [28 Mar 1984, p.C7] - 88
Chicago Sun-Times
Racing With the Moon is a movie like Valley Girl or Baby, It's You, a movie that is interested in teenagers and willing to listen to how they talk and to observe, with great tenderness, the fragility and importance of their first big loves. - 80
The New York Times
Racing With the Moon demonstrates such intelligence and wit that the result is an unexpected pleasure. - 75
Christian Science Monitor
The sensitive directing of Richard Benjamin and the exquisite cinematography of John Bailey give the comedy and drama a special glow, as do the strong performances by Sean Penn and Nicolas Cage and the stunning one by Elizabeth McGovern. [03 May 1984, p.29] - 75
Washington Post
Racing With the Moon is the second directorial effort for Richard Benjamin, whose first film was the ribald My Favorite Year. He tries and overwhelmingly succeeds at masterminding a more dramatic style. Slowly paced, it's nonetheless a film on track for patient, compassionate viewers. [23 Mar 1984, p.23] - 70
Chicago Reader
I don't care for Benjamin's way of using death to validate his sentimental themes, but at this point any American movie that can get past the "I love you”s without audience snickers has to be counted a success. - 50
TV Guide Magazine
In this slight film about two boys about to be drafted into WWII, everyone tries hard, but the movie is essentially superficial and has difficulty sustaining audience interest. - 50
Washington Post
A would-be endearing romantic entertainment that becomes an exercise in futility, Racing With the Moon concentrates a considerable amount of pictorial polish, acting talent and sincerity on a trifling amount of content. [24 Mar 1984, p.C1]
