Customer Reviews

Box of Moonlight [VHS]

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

We first meet Al Fountain (John Turturro) at a remote construction site in the country, where he is the foreman. Immediately, we recognize who and what he is: The Boss; obsessive and meticulous about the work, tenacious in regard to detail. At the same time, it is obvious that he is sorely lacking when it comes to his relationship with his crew. Not that he is a bad guy; neither overbearing nor abusive with his employees, he is, in fact, somewhat personable in his own way. It's just that everything in his vision is so clearly cut in black and white. In the world of Al Fountain there are absolutely no shades of gray. This is further established when he phones his wife and young son to check in and give her an update on the job. When he tells her that one of the guys has invited him to play poker that night (much to the chagrin of the rest of the crew), she is ecstatic and encourages him to go. Clearly, she loves him, but knows how he is. When he quizzes his son on his multiplication tables and the response is unacceptable, flash cards are ordered. When Dad gets home there will be another quiz. In a brilliant metaphor, we see the flash cards as they are perceived by the boy; they are huge, nearly as big as he is, Marley's chains he must carry wherever he goes without respite. When the job is abruptly closed down, Al finds himself with some time to reflect on his life, which he uncharacteristically embraces, prompted by an incident at the poker game the previous evening. At this point the story really begins, and we follow Al on a drive through the country, which ultimately becomes a journey of self-discovery. Along the way he meets "The Kid," (Sam Rockwell), a charismatic, though somewhat naive young man who lives alone in the remnants of a trailer situated on a secluded parcel of land far off the beaten path. It is a lifestyle that Al, initially, simply cannot comprehend. When The Kid explains that he lives "off the grid," it is beyond anything Al can fathom. In the end, this movie is a textured tale of awareness and the importance of setting one's personal priorities. Extremely well presented and acted, it is touching and poignant without the unnecessary burden (in this case) of undue sentiment. The supporting cast includes Catherine Keener, Lisa Blount, Annie Corley and Dermot Mulroney. In "Box of Moonlight," writer-director Tom DiCillo offers us a journey that is well worth the taking.

After watching this film, I got the most magical feeling. It reminded me that there can be life outside of the everyday hustle and bustle, and that there is a child in all of us. All too often we ignore our inner child and get caught up in our concrete jungle lifestyles. We live this life only once and this movie showed me that we must not ignore the simpler things in life, like collecting moonlight in a box or getting in touch with mother nature. To feel sunlight on your face, water cascade against your body or dance till the sun comes up, is what this movie gave me. It reminded me to slow down and take some time to get back in touch with my senses and to watch how I treat others, sounds heavy but this movie has excellent acting and many messages. I have watched this movie 3 times and have found something new in each viewing. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Other reviews have described this movie's quirky charm and essential good-heartedness, so this is just a note of warning: the DVD version has been "cropped" from the VHS one (I know, I know, widescreen is supposed to reveal MORE at the sides, and it does, only here they've also sliced off the top and bottom of the frame). I don't know if it was a bad editing decision or a bad transfer, but this movie's actually better on VHS. First time I've seen that happen.

This Indie release from Tom Di cillo sure makes Hollywood to eat his heart out. J.Turturro gives one of his best performances in that movie which actually criticises our daily lives and points to the absence of happiness and satisfaction that can be gained from very small things from the life itself without asking for much effort. Story is based on a friendship between two people who come together with the trick of the faith. Story is well told by the director and the camera. Additionally actors even put more grace in it with their remarkable efforts.A touch of light humour is also adds to the flavour. Another successful example of US Indie cinema. A magical box of moonlight.

I watched this movie one night when I couldn't go to sleep for one reason or another. I never heard about it before and I was not expecting much when I began viewing. However, I became totally engrossed in the movie. It was truly fantastic. It may not have had action, but it had meaning, it was touching, and it was funny. I think the reason some call this movie "bland" and "unoriginal" is that the ultimate moral of the story is fairly obvious: Don't let society and your self-imposed rules inhibit your enjoyment of life and appreciation of the people around you. The idea may be simple and cliched, but the movie expresses this idea in such a heartfelt manner that the simple moral lesson is argued in a powerful way. I recommend this movie strongly.

this movie is a little slow to start, but definitely gets much better. it is light and entertaining. the characters are well written.

I've seen this little movie twice, and I'm still here buying it. Boo on you if you pick at it and can't close your eyes to its little imperfections! This really is a "little box of moonlight" that deserves more credit than it has gotten. The actors are great, the story is timeless, and "the kid" is Peter Pan reincarnated. Al Fountain is all of us, and we all need a break, don't we? This movie is not a "blockbuster" or "action-packed", but for some reason it does stick to your bones, and you don't go away hungry.

I just happened to be channel surfing and came upon this movie. I was pulled in by it. I had never heard of Sam Rockwell before this movie and I found him to be so refreshing! John Turturro as the middle aged man going through a mid life crisis really works, he played the part so well. Sam Rockwell and Turturro had a great chemistry in this movie. You find yourself pulling for Sam Rockwell's character and hoping he finds the friend he wants and needs and he does with Turturro! I would recommend this movie for sure. It is one of those make you feel good movies. I also wanted to see more of Sam Rockwell after this, his other movies.. Matchstick Men and Confessions of a Dangerous mind were great too!

I saw this film at a filmclub. Didn't know what it was and enjoyed every minute of it. It is a slow going film, but don't let that scare you from watching this hidden gem. It was to me a very uplifting film, especially when you discover what was in the box. I loved it and i belive you will too.

Box of Moonlight is the type of movie that after you watch you want to see it again. It is a comedy-drama about an uptight engineer that learns life is a lot better when you take chances and have fun. Overall, Box of Moonlight was a nice movie and I would recommend it highly.