Moonlight Serenade

Don't look for this at your neighborhood cineplex any time soon. In fact, the film was held back several years before being released to the "after market" of DVD and streaming video sales. One reviewer asks, "How could they do this to Amy Adams?" But more than likely it was the latter who saw what is inarguably a "little" movie as an opportunity to employ her vocal skills.The "apparent" shortcomings of the film--in directing, editing, scripting, acting--make it an easy target for viewers expecting something else: a realistic "film noir" with music (like "Casablanca" or "To Have and Have Not") or an engaging romantic soaper with gripping conflict. It's neither. In fact, the film clearly resists any easy categorization.Viewing it a second time, I tried to put myself in the place of the filmmakers, seeing the project from their viewpoint and intentions. Perhaps, the film is best described as an adult "fairy tale" with elements of film noir, Hollywood romance, and the screen musical mixed in. The plot is really secondary to the memorable moments it manages to capture--for example, Nate, the stock portfolio manager and former jazz pianist, suddenly becoming mesmerized by a siren song that wafts into his apartment from the street, its source (Amy Adams) unknown to him at the time. The film is about putting dreams and desire ahead of prosaic matters such as making money. Those things will take care of themselves if you have the imaginative sensibilities to follow your heart's desire. Personally, I found Nate's secretary, played by Harriet Sansom Harris, one of the most appealing characters in the film, especially when she, too, reveals her true inner feelings with a touching performance of the classic Billie Holiday standard, "Lover Man."Everything ends up fine, of course, and everyone ends up happy, as should the viewer who willingly suspends disbelief and allows the film to work its own magic. Music is above all the expression of emotion, which makes music especially difficult to film (most attempts to film a jazz musician's genius--e.g. "Bird"--have fallen way short, leaving the average spectator with little more than the picture of a self-destructive junkie). So I give this movie credit for trying to do what has eluded most other films about music. And for those for whom this kind of film isn't their cup of tea, there's always the infectious music--alternately bluesy and sublime--of keyboardist extraordinaire Joey DeFranceso.

Harriet Sansom Harris really shines in this movie. Her supporting role helps to define the leading man's motivation for his behavior. Her role also quietly reinforces the theme that everyone wants affection, including average looking men and women. Harris gives an excellent performance in every scene including the one in which she sings. After seeing her in this movie I am looking for other DVDs in which she acts. While some reviewers pan the movie for its apparent low budget (revealed in simple scenes and wardrobe) I believe the simplicity helps focus the audience more on the characters. The simplicity adds a quality of realism as everyday life is simple both in the offices where we work and the bars we visit. Amy Adams's character could not afford elegant clothing anyway so simple was the way to go. This is a simple movie with solidly realistic performances by actors and musicians. The kind hearts are demonstrated by those interacting with the leading man. His focus is on flaws and potential failures so he does not see the kindness of those around him. Thanks to the director, the audience may see the kindness- but only if they choose as it is realistically understated. The music is high quality and is reason alone to see the movie. The musical director and the musicians deserve a lot of credit for their efforts. Amy Adam's performance as Chloe is intentionally not glamorous or perky. It is realistic and thus well done. Her innate charm and beauty is downplayed which means the viewer gets to see quality acting. Thus, if you are an Amy Adams fan you should own this DVD as it is a great example of her acting ability. Harriet Sansom Harris fans also should own this DVD. This is a romance movie so it has a happy ending.

All I can say is I have a new favorite film. I learned about Moonlight Serenade by watching the trailer in the past. It seemed like a good movie. I'm glad I got around to see the movie. I have always liked Amy Adams. She is a very good actress and singer. She's also rather beautiful as well. The plot is good. The acting is great. The music is wonderful. I reccomend this film highly for all the romantics.

A pleasant evening spent watching - as with a fire and glass of wine!bill - PIA

First, I have to admit that I'm a dyed-in-the wool Amy Adams fan - - and that I love her singing!There is not much of a plot to this movie, but it features Amy singing some 40s big band/jazz classics. (That, by itself, is reason enough to buy this DVD!)The acting is pretty good, all around, although, dramatically, it isn't up to Amy Adams' other movies. (Doubt; Sunshine Cleaning; Junebug)But if you enjoy Amy's singing, this is the movie for you!

I loved the playing of the piano and organ by Joey De Francesco. I believe that he played the piano for the Alec Newman character. Amy Adams interpretations of the songs were nice. She was believable in her role. I liked Harriet Sansom Harris in her role as well. Alec Newman acted his part well enough, but his singing does leave a bit to be desired. Obviously, all of them did the job well enough for me to give this a 4 star rating.

Why did I like this? The singing isn’t great. The plot is predictable. But something comes together just right.

This is the second time I watched it. I loved it because I like musicals. The story was cute.

I suspect I could watch Amy Adams reading from a telephone directory, however...Is this the greatest film I've ever seen? Not at all. Is it a nice, lightweight, evening in film? Absolutely. Corny lines? Loads of themHer oppo is reasonable enough, the story is a bit unrealistic, love cures all, slightly channelling every "bloke who sees the error of his ways as the result of meeting a good woman" film that's ever been made.But this one has got Amy Adams in it and she seems to throw herself 110% into every film I've seen her in and that makes it OK by me.

If you're checking out this film then the chances are you're an Amy Adams fan delving into her back catalogue. The good news is that she's as charming as ever, and she sings. The bad news is that there's nothing else to recommend the film. The script is awful and the pace is dreadfully slow. You can see what the film-makers were trying to achieve, but sadly there's a huge gap between the intention and the execution. It's a shame because it could have been good and it fell so far short.

didn't last long with it

I'm such a big fan of Amy Adams and that's why I bought this film. Don't, it's terrible! I'm a film lover and I've watched some tat in my time but I couldn't even get half way through before turning this off, it is now in the hands of the charity shop...The storyline is non-existent, acting from the lead actor is poor and it looks like it was made on two hundred quid budget, really not very good, sorry Amy...

Did I like it? No!!! I gave my copy away. The acting is wooden, the plot entirely predictable. Quite frankly a waste of time and money.