Pontiac Moon

To me a simple inspirational story about a family, with imbedded problems, simply moving on.

As a movie collector for decades who considers himself very critical & picky about films, I can't help myself, I love this movie. Yeah, it's maybe a little far-fetched or sentimental sometimes but there isn't a second of it that's not enjoyable - it's just too charming and well directed with exactly that effect in mind, and with a beautiful musical score, superb cinematography and a tight script. I think Ted Danson possibly gives his best performance ever as Washington Bellamy, an enraptured-with-knowledge elementary school teacher who also collects beautifully oddball classic cars. The story line described above about trying to match the distance the Apollo crew travels by simultaneously driving over a large part of the country to the Spires of the Moon National Park is already a remarkably charming idea. This will be his "one perfect act" as he brings his very cute young boy with him, leaving behind an quirky paranoid wife who is always afraid to leave the house. Mary Steenburgen plays this part with superb humor as she sets off after her husband and son. Of course, interesting adventures and troubles occur during the journeys but it's Washington's never failing enthusiasm for life and its wonders that really make the film's ideas all work. I've watched this film a number of times and will watch it again into old age and when I'm no longer able to enjoy it I'll be ready to die.

Embedding in a stirring and wonderful musical score is the story of a road trip that chronologically parallels the landing on the moon. Always interesting with comedic highlights, a superb piece of clean entertainment that is truly a rarity today. A must see for all families.

Sure, the movie's perfectly enjoyable on its own merits, but owners and admirers of the Amphicar, an amphibious "boat-car" manufactured in the '60s, will especially appreciate having this film in their collections. For them it will be clear that while the Pontiac of the title actually craps out underway, the Amphicar is the truly transcendent vehicle, which in the end redeems all of them. Perhaps they should have called it "Amphicar Moon."