There has been so many coming of age movies that the gears have become familiar. But even though this kind of film can be predictable, they till work when they’re executed with sincerity. Hence, “The Man in the Moon” is enjoyable even though it lacks surprising elements. Like most movies of the genre, it’s set in a 1950s rural town too dreamy to be true. Families live in big comfy houses, with the father working on the farm and his wife cooking and taking care of the house. Dani lives in such an environment. Her dad is strict but loving, and her mom is understanding and brave, raising three girls while being 8 months pregnant. Dani is very close with her older sister Maureen, with whom she shares everything. Things are about to become more complicated, with Dani reaching the confusing age of 14 and falling in love with Court, the 17 year old who just moved in next door. They become buddies and spend a lot of time swimming in the pond… But then Court meets Maureen, and they catch each other’s eye…

“The Man in the Moon” was written by Jenny Wingfield and directed by Robert Mulligan. Together, they crafted a bittersweet, smart and moving film. As I said, it loses some of its effect because of the familiarity of its plot: I knew from the get go that there’d be a first kiss and a feud between the sisters. Even when tragedy strikes, it feels more for dramatic purposes than because the story calls for it. I would also have liked the Court character to be quirkier, maybe more of a regular, nervous regular guy. As written by Wingfield, he’s less a character than a female fantasy. You know, all hunky and rugged, working on his pick-up and riding his tractor… Still, the film remains for the most part honest and touching, and that’s attributable in no small part to the remarkable cast. Veteran character actors Sam Waterson and Tess Harper are convincing as the parents, and so are Emily Warfield as Maureen and Jason London as Court. But it’s Reese Witherspoon who delivers the most poignant performance. In her debut, she already shows impressive range and charisma, and you can already see what a hottie she’s gonna be. “The Man in the Moon” doesn’t break anything, but it does know a thing or two about first love and friendship. A small gem.