Box of Moonlight (1997)

There were, indeed, some cute moments, and the acting was just fine. The script, however, presented us with people that were simply unbelievable - they just didn't act or react as any actual people would. A touch of the fantastic can be delightful - but the mother who affirms that her kid is studying (to his father) while he plays video games just doesn't exist. The husband/wife relationship was ... vaguely polite. The boss/work crew relationship could only be imagined by someone who has never actually had a job - certainly none that they did well.One wonders where the writer/director lives - this movie gives the firm impression that they've never actually seen any people who weren't on a television screen.That's a couple of hours I'll never get back.

I have watched this movie exactly 5 times now and each time I watch it I appreciate it more.I loved the part where Al Fountain chills in the towed Ford Galaxy and closes his eyes and enjoys the ride.Something for people to notice: The breakfast cereal the Kid serves is NOT Oreos---but Hydrox cookies, which were discontinued a few years ago. I miss Hydrox!Sam Rockwell's Kid is what stays with me after I see this move. His free spirit and "living off the grid" is a little inspiring.One of my favorite movies ever!!

Box of Moonlight is a beautiful piece of work. I loved everything about it. The main thing about it is the beautiful area it was filmed in, i watch it over and over again sometimes just to admire the beauty and love i have for those hills and familiar places i have visited over and over again,i just wished the one comment made by the crew leader while they were on the bus back to the hotel after the job was canceled had been deleted from the movie: ''Here's to Al Fountain for getting us out of this sh** hole early'' I kinda took that comment to heart because i love the Knoxville,TN and surrounding areas,( where the film was made) so much. The acting was excellent by the entire cast, and there was never a dull moment anytime in the entire movie. It is my wish that there could somehow be a sequel to this great movie, filmed with the same actors and in the same beautiful place, but i honestly don't think it will ever happen. This movie is underrated and i don't understand why, i have the movie on DVD and on a VCR tape, and everyone that i have watched it with really loves this great movie.

Director Tom DiCillo has all the attributes required for a top indie film maker. He displays a sharp humorous edge coupled with an all round smartness. But his advantage over his peers is that his works are permeated with a genuine and very winning romanticism (realized best in "Real Blonde").The premise of "Box of Moonlight" is indeed a romantic one. Two complete opposites who by all accounts would steer clear of each other are instinctively drawn together when destiny wills a chance encounter. They will learn important life lessons from each other and part the richer. It is in effect a delightful spin on the buddy movie.John Turturro and Sam Rockwell are the least likely buddies one could imagine. Turturro plays the rigid, time obsessive and orderly engineer against Rockwell's wild, irresponsible back to nature outcast. Turturro's Al Fountain senses much is not well in his life and subconsciously perceives that Rockwell's "The Kid" might just be what he is so much in need of; someone to release those parts of his personality which adulthood and its encumbering responsibilities has suffocated. "The Kid" indeed accomplishes this in a variety of ways including coaxing Al to reach his inner child in the wonderful tomato throwing scene and luring him into an touching adolescent one night stand with Floatie played beautifully by Catherine Keener, a DiCillo favorite. By the end of the movie Al will return home a far better husband and father.Just how Rockwell's "The Kid" will be effected is less clear. He is clearly a severely deluded character functioning more as a symbol rather than a credible person. In lesser hands it could have come off ludicrous, but Rockwell nails it perfectly in what would be his break through role. There's a palpable chemistry between the buddies which is so vital for making this story work."Box of Moonlight" is a modern day fable, a cautionary tale reminding us not to allow adulthood smother us. It's a tale told with tremendous charm and a movie to be cherished.