Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Touching, open-hearted drama about the end of life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Moon Manor
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In MOON MANOR, Jimmy (James Carrozo) is a gay man in his 80s who has Alzheimer's disease and has decided to end his life. He throws his own "FUN-eral" and invites all his friends, as well as a journalist, Andrew (Lou Taylor Pucci), to write his story. Jimmy has a death doula, Fritti (Debra Wilson), and his regular caretaker, Remy (Reshma Gajjar), on hand, as well as old friends Slick (Cullen G. Chambers), Juana (Roz Hernandez), and Nox (Kit DeZolt). Over the course of the day, Jimmy tells stories about his life, meeting his true love and forming a successful music act with him, starting a business selling land on the moon, and various other wild adventures. Outside, church activists Gordon (Richard Riehle) and Terry (Galen Howard) are protesting Jimmy's choice, but it turns out that Jimmy invited them, and for a good reason.
Is It Any Good?
While a movie about someone's end of life might sound scary or like a downer, this open-hearted drama is the opposite, full of joy, love, wisdom, and even sly humor. Inspired somewhat loosely by the life of actor, musician, and comedian James "Jimmy" Carrozo -- who, in real life, did not die -- Moon Manor is a little awkward at first, stumbling over its slightly amateur look and feel. But Jimmy's sheer charisma and the movie's introspective mood soon win the day. Having a journalist character on hand is an easy, oft-used way to get exposition out of the way, but here it works perfectly, as Andrew quickly grows to adore Jimmy, entranced by his words. (It helps that Andrew has his own drama to work through; he's not just a passive observer.)
The structure of the movie is just right, too, starting quietly, with gentle, thoughtful conversations before the partygoers arrive. Each section captures just the right mood, acknowledging the elephant in the room -- death -- while embracing all the other aspects of life. Moon Manor is a small, special movie that should be seen by everyone who has ever feared, or pondered, what it means to reach the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Moon Manor depicts death. Do people have the right to choose the circumstances of their own death, rather than face Alzheimer's and the slow disappearance of their identity? Why, or why not?
Did you notice any positive diverse representations? What about stereotypes?
What is a death doula? After this movie, would you be interested in learning more about what they do?
How does the movie depict drug use?
How is sex depicted? Is there freedom in it? Responsibility? What values are imparted?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 25, 2022
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2022
- Cast : James Carrozo , Lou Taylor Pucci , Debra Wilson
- Directors : Machete Bang Bang , Erin Granat
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Good Deed Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 25, 2023
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