The truth is that Racing for the Moon didn't generate much Oscar buzz in 1984, but time has been good to it, if only because thoughtful movies about the problems of average young people are so rare. The handsomely-shot film served mainly as a vehicle for the Fast Times At Ridgemont High alumni Penn and Cage, who soon became big stars. They both pass for 17-18 years olds, even though Penn was already turning 24.

The production places our Marine Corps enlistees in a pleasant town on the beautiful stretch of atmospheric California coast. Neither has any money to speak of and Penn's Henry is elated when the supposedly rich Caddie returns his overtures. Caddie uses a then-popular smart girl's trick to assess Henry as a possible boyfriend, observing him during a sneakily-arranged double date with a friend. Revulsed by Nick's crude attitudes toward girls, Henry plays it careful with Caddie, impressing her with the classical piano piece he'd earlier refused to practice at home. Thus Henry and Caddie meet on the square and their dating soon develops into something far more serious.

What's best about Racing for the Moon is the atmosphere and good acting. Elizabeth McGovern, basically savaged in Once Upon a Time in America and Ragtime, has her most pleasing role since Ordinary People and retains her teenaged beauty. She's an imperfect looker, with bright eyes and the kind of fuzzy cheeked smile that breaks hearts. Her scenes with Penn are terrific - they do marvels with straight-on dialogue nobody today would dare try: "I love you." "I love you."

Cage isn't quite up to Penn's quiet intensity but he's much less chaotic than he became in later roles. It's a pleasure to see Penn playing a nice guy with ideals, hopes and ethics, as opposed to his frequent troublemakers and hellraisers. Henry relates well to his parents John Karlen and Rutanya Alda, maintaining his own privacy but also being a decent son. There's a farewell scene at the end that will choke up a big part of the 2004 audience. It's regrettable to see it marred by the gimmick of running to leap on the back of a moving train. The movie didn't need a flashy upbeat stunt like that.

It's also fun to check out Carol Kane in a cute role as the local hooker, and a young Michael Madsen as a mutilated soldier back from the war. Michael Schoeffling plays another amputee; Benjamin would later give him a major role in his unfortunate misfire Mermaids. Crispin Glover makes an appearance as a local rich jerk. Dana Carvey is said to play somebody called "Baby Face," but I missed him.

Paramount's DVD of Racing for the Moon is beautiful in an immaculate enhanced transfer, especially all of those windswept California ocean view cliffs. The film looks brand new. It has a relaxed commentary from Richard Benjamin that concentrates on all of the talent involved, and a three part docu with the director and producers (including Paramount chief Sherry Lansing) trading congratulations over their achievement. Quite a bit of it is justified. There's also good input from the still-beautiful Ms. McGovern, who lets us know that (shy smile) she was the well-behaved cast member, while Penn and Cage were the kind who equated stardom with wrecking motel rooms (laughter).

The movie never found a key advertising image, and the cover has a collage of faces and action that still doesn't seem very interesting.

On a scale of Excellent, Good, Fair, and Poor, Racing with the Moon rates:
Movie: Very Good +
Video: Excellent
Sound: Excellent
Supplements: director commentary, 3 part docu.
Packaging: Keep case
Reviewed: December 6, 2004