Racing with the Moon Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Racing with the Moon Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 4, 2025

Screenwriter Steve Kloves would go on to help create the cinematic world of the “Harry Potter” franchise, and even contributed to the bigness of superhero cinema in “The Amazing Spider-Man.” In the early 1980s, he was just a struggling writer trying to sell a script, finally landing an opportunity with 1984’s “Racing with the Moon.” Kloves crafts a literary style understanding of youth during the tense years of World War II, following the exploits of two young men dealing with the reality of military service as they cling to the frivolity of their teenage years. It’s a coming-of-age tale in many ways, giving director Richard Benjamin opportunities to explore sensitive days of concern and excitement as the characters come into contact with emotional experiences at home while facing possible finality oversees. “Racing with the Moon” commences with interesting scenes of friendship and courtship, as Benjamin really captures the wartime mood, also doing well setting up relationships. It’s the last act that takes the material to a dramatic place it can’t handle, as Kloves struggles to find a way out of the story, heading in the wrong direction as melodrama floods the endeavor.

It's 1942, and in the coastal town of Point Muir, California, Hopper (Sean Penn) is trying to keep himself busy as he begins a countdown to the day of his departure, drafted by the U.S. military to fight in World War II. He’s joined by Nicky (Nicolas Cage), his close friend, and the buddies aren’t fully prepared for all the changes coming to their lives, doing their best to deny this reality. Nicky chases women, getting close with his girlfriend, Sally (Suzanne Adkinson), while Hopper is a more sensitive soul, perking up after he spies Caddie (Elizabeth McGovern) working at the local movie theater. Relatively new to town, Caddie is mistaken for a rich girl by Hopper, who works carefully to capture her attention, slowly charming her. The pair embark on a relationship, finding love in their own special way, but time is relentless, leaving the couple with few days to enjoy each other, and Nicky falls into trouble, putting Hopper in a tough spot with someone he cares deeply for.

Kloves and Benjamin do a terrific job capturing the universe of Hopper. Point Muir is a defined place in “Racing with the Moon,” which follows the main character around town, showing comfort and routine with his surroundings. This includes work in a bowling alley, spending part of his night setting pins with Nicky for sometimes bullying customers (Crispin Glover appears as a wretched rich kid), and he’s familiar with the local diner and movie theater, where he first lays his eyes on Caddie. Nicky is a wilder fellow, perfectly open about his desire to cram in as much sex as possible before he leaves for war, and early scenes examine this intensity, as Hopper is offered the company of a prostitute (Carol Kane) to help his friend complete a double date requirement.

“Racing with the Moon” remains fluid with Hopper, never really settling into a plot as the character experiences attraction to Caddie, but he’s hesitant to approach a woman he mistakes for a wealthy person due to her living arrangement in a local mansion. Caddie’s world is examined in the script, giving her some dimension as Kloves inspects class divide, and the writer plays with cuteness, as Hopper looks to survive a night of roller skating to impress his object of desire. The couple bonds over piano playing, setting up a romance that’s almost immediately doomed. “Racing with the Moon” is at its most emotional when approaching the topic of military service, which hangs over Hopper and Nicky’s head, destroying whatever joy they can achieve during their last weeks in Point Muir. Hopper is especially reminded of what’s coming for him, as juvenile antics are eventually smothered by reality when Caddie brings Hopper to a veteran’s ward in the local hospital, meeting men who’ve lost so much during their service (Michael Madsen makes an appearance). Hopper and Nicky cope with their fear through childish pursuits (including horseplay and racing trains), and Kloves sharply defines this battle with the future, giving the picture a deep sense of anxiety that’s perfectly played by Penn, here in a rare role that tasks him to portray sensitivity and benevolence.

Racing with the Moon Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "remastered from a new 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative for this worldwide Blu-ray debut." Detail is generally acceptable during the viewing experience, examining varied ages and skin particulars on the cast, and period costuming remains somewhat textured. Town tours are decently dimensional, exploring coastal distances and businesses. Interiors retain depth, permitting examination of lively community spaces, such as a bowling alley. Colors are intact, preserving sharp primaries. Clothing choices favor deep grays and browns, and whites are crisp. Greenery is distinct. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory, doing well with night events. Grain has mild chunkiness at times. Source is in good condition.

Racing with the Moon Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix carries crisp music throughout the track, offering sharp instrumentation with scoring cues and big band soundtrack selections. Musical moods offer some presence in the surrounds, along with mild atmospherics, which explore the coastal areas of the town and community bustle. Dialogue exchanges are defined, following softer emotional moments and louder argumentative ones. Low-end isn't challenged much during the run time, offering a limited presence. Sound effects are distinct.

Racing with the Moon Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (10 pages) contains an essay by Walter Chaw.

• Commentary #1 features director Richard Benjamin.

• Commentary #2 features movie critics Bill Ackerman and Marya E. Gates.

• "Making of 'Racing with the Moon' Part 1" (12:45, SD) is a 2004 featurette on the creation of the film, featuring interviews with director Richard Benjamin, actress Elizabeth McGovern, and producers Sherry Lansing, Stanley R. Jaffe, and Alain Bernheim. The genesis of "Racing with the Moon" is tracked, as Benjamin quickly jumped on the script right after finishing "My Favorite Year." Casting is also highlighted, celebrating choices, characters, and young talent.

• "Making of 'Racing with the Moon' Part 2" (19:53, SD) features interviews with director Richard Benjamin, actress Elizabeth McGovern, and producers Sherry Lansing, Stanley R. Jaffe, and Alain Bernheim. The shooting of "Racing with the Moon" is examined, highlighted all the creative challenges involved in bringing the picture to life.

• "Making of 'Racing with the Moon' Part 3" (6:15, SD) features interviews with director Richard Benjamin, actress Elizabeth McGovern, and producers Sherry Lansing, Stanley R. Jaffe, and Alain Bernheim. The interviewees detail their personal and creative journeys with "Racing with the Moon."

• Image Gallery (7:34) collects poster art, publicity shots, and film stills.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:44, HD) is included.

Racing with the Moon Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Racing with the Moon" captures the recklessness and confusion of youth, but Kloves eventually has to find an ending to the story, heading in the wrong direction as he creates a monetary and life-changing crisis for Nicky, who pulls Hopper into a mess the two are unprepared to deal with. It's a sudden lurch into formula that doesn't do the picture any favors, and Benjamin can't quite find the reality in such pressure, summoning soap opera as he looks to exit the feature on an emotional note. There's plenty of technical and dramatic achievements in "Racing with the Moon" to embrace, but the final act comes close to killing off the evocative and insightful journey of the characters and their date with destiny.