“Joe Versus the Volcano”

This week’s entry is the quirky romantic fable “Joe Versus the Volcano” (Warner Bros, 1990). Tom Hanks stars as Joe, a regular, well, joe who is stuck in a very depressing job and a lonely life (if you think your job is bad, check out the world the filmmakers created for poor Joe). Joe believes he is sick and he finds out from his doctor that he has a “brain cloud,” a fatal disease which is going to kill him in a few months time. Step in wealthy businessman Samuel Graynamore (played by Lloyd Bridges) who is looking for someone who might be willing to take a big jump–literally. I won’t give it away in case you haven’t seen it, but the film’s title is significant. The film also stars Meg Ryan playing three different roles. While it’s not perfect, it’s a fun movie with a great theme about the importance of fighting your fears. Written and directed by John Patrick Shanley. “I have no response to that.”

“Moonstruck”

Nicholas Cage and Cher in “Moonstruck” (MGM, 1987)

“Moonstruck”(MGM, 1987). A wonderful treatise on life, love, and being Italian. Cher plays Loretta, an Italian woman from Brooklyn who falls in love with her fiancée’s brother. Turns out that Loretta’s parents are also experiencing some bumps in their relationship, too. The film, with its wonderful script and outstanding performances, perfectly captures a passionate, neurotic, loving and funny Italian family. The Metropolian Opera/”La Bohème” motif is a plus, too. Cher won the Academy Award® for Best Actress for her performance in this film. Written by John Patrick Shanley, who also won the Academy Award® that year for Best Original Screenplay. Directed by Norman Jewison. Definitely a personal favorite. “The moon brings the woman to the man.”