Moonstruck

Loretta (Cher – Mamma Mia 2; Mermaids) is an Italian-American divorcee in her 30’s, and has just accepted a proposal from Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello - Godfather). Though rather than choosing someone that she has any feelings or passion for, Loretta has followed her mother’s advice – “never marry the one you’re in love with, it only drives you crazy”. However, when her fiancée has to return to Sicily for his mother’s final days, Loretta meets his estranged brother, Ronny (Nicholas Cage – Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse; Kick Ass), and is surprised to find an irresistible passion developing between them. He’s equally smitten, but it’s not just her and Ronny; everyone around them seems to be becoming a little moonstruck…

This is a romantic comedy, with a strong sense of that captivating mystifying thing we call ‘romance’. At its core, there’s a strong sense of family, and a lot of the laughs come from this. However, the film isn’t blind to the tensions and animosities family and love bring, and this is the source of many lines with some real bite. A rare treat, and one sure to charm.

Natalie Tyldesley-Marshall