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Sean Penn, Elizabeth McGovern, Nicolas Cage, John Karlen, Rutanya Alda ... see more see more... , Suzanne Adkinson , Kate Williamson , Shawn Schepps , Julie Philips , Michael Talbott , Patricia Allison , Eve Brent Ashe , John Brandon , Dana Carvey , Gerry Gibson , Crispin Glover , Ted Grossman , Page Hannah , Al Hopson , Barbara Howard , Arnold Johnson , Carol Kane , Michael Madsen , Bob Maroff , Walter Matthews , Charles Miller , Dominick Nardini , Victor Rendina , Max Showalter , Steve Lambert , Scott McGinnis , Victor Paul , Chuck Picerni Jr. , Phil Adams , Lou Butera , Jonathan Charles Fox , Shane Kerwin , Arlin Miller , Jan Rabson , Sue Allen , Fielding Greaves , Phillip Romano

Sean Penn graduated to full stardom with the 1984 drama Racing with the Moon, even though the film itself hardly set new box office records. Set in the early years of World War II, the film stars Penn... read more read more... as a small-town teen-aged hotshot, six weeks away from being shipped out to fight overseas. In the meantime, Penn begins to date Elizabeth McGovern, whom he assumes is from a wealthy family. Penn's pal Nicolas Cage, who's gotten his girlfriend Suzanne Adkinson pregnant, imposes upon Penn to hit up McGovern for the abortion money. That's when Penn discovers that the girl barely has a penny to her name. Convinced that Penn cared for her only when he thought she was rich, McGovern walks out on him, but later teams up with Penn to help the unfortunate Adkinson. The plot is pure James Dean, a fact not lost on fans who regarded Sean Penn as the second coming of Dean. A very slight piece, Racing With the Moon is buoyed by the engaging performances of the stars, and by director Richard Benjamin's meticulous attention to period detail-especially in those peerless bowling-alley and skating-rink sequences. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

58% liked it

2,882 ratings

Critics

60% liked it

10 critics

PG, 1 hr. 48 min.

Directed by: Richard Benjamin

Release Date: March 23, 1984

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DVD Release Date: November 30, 2004

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Stats: 98 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (98)

  • ajv2688
    January 16, 2011
    ajv2688
    I need to watch this movie again, I barely remember it.
  • ileo
    January 1, 2008
    ileo
    A personal favorite. Now, this is a movie I don't mind seeing every now and then.
  • The80sExpert
    March 6, 2009
    The80sExpert
    I found this movie boring and uninteresting, but I didn't watch the whole film, so I'd be willing to give it a second look.
  • moviegirl50
    February 19, 2008
    moviegirl50
    I liked this Drama...it was interesting seeing Cage and Penn so young.....the only thing was that the ending was kinda lame.......they waited too long to really develop the story and then I think they ran out of time and had to end it in a dumb place, it was like there should hav... read moree been a sequel.

View All Racing With the Moon Reviews

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

It's easy to end a movie with 'I love you,' but it's hard to get there honestly. Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

An exceptionally appealing movie about subjects you may think you've already had enough of -- growing up, first love and the shouldering of arms and other responsibilities. Full Review

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

I don't care for Benjamin's way of using death to validate his sentimental themes, but at this point any American movie that can get past the 'I love you's without audience snickers has to be counted ... Full Review

September 16, 2008
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Everyone tries hard, but the movie is essentially superficial and has difficulty sustaining audience interest. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
October 31, 2006
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

A sentimental view of small-town life in WWII, in which the railroads and train station are just as important as the human characters. Full Review

June 24, 2006
Time Out

Very little seems to happen in this social vacuum, and none of it is memorable. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
July 23, 2003
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

A small movie about first love with abundant emotional riches. Full Review

May 24, 2003
Film4

It lacks [My Favourite Year's] winning charm. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Jake Euker
February 25, 2007
Jake Euker, F5 (Wichita, KS)

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Racing With the Moon Trivia

  • In the movie "Racing with the Moon", Henry (Sean Penn) & Nicky (Nicholas Cage) go to Bar to Hustle money playing pool. They use different names to introduce themselves - What are the names they use ???  Answer »
  • Who tried to win Elizabeth McGovern's heart in "Racing With The Moon"?   Answer »
  • Who tried to win Elizabeth McGovern's heart in "Racing With The Moon"?   Answer »
  • Who went into the Marines with Sean Penn in "Racing with the Moon"?   Answer »
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