Moonstruck is the next entry in the set, and it’s the best film here, and perhaps, the best of Cher’s career. Expertly scripted by John Patrick Shanley and directed by Norman Jewison, the film stars Cher as a slightly eccentric woman who is proposed to by one man (Danny Aiello), but falls in love with his brother (Nicolas Cage). A warm film full of richly drawn details, Moonstruck is a charming rendering of the romantic comedy. Fortunately, the disc included here is the newer deluxe edition that finally presented the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio as opposed to the previous pan-and-scan DVD. It’s also the only disc here with more than just a trailer for extras, and it includes a commentary track with Cher, Jewison and Shanley, as well as featurettes on the making of the film, the food and the music.
Cher’s follow-up to Moonstruck isn’t nearly as charming. 1990’s Mermaids features Cher pushing deeper into an eccentric role, and tipping toward the obnoxious for it. The coming-of-age story features strong performances from Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci as Cher’s daughters, along with Bob Hoskins as suitor Lou, but it’s mostly mushy dramedy cliché.
Rounding out the set is World War II period piece Tea with Mussolini, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and while its Florence setting practically ensures a good-looking movie, the pacing and story aren’t much to speak of. Cher holds her own among the powerhouse cast though, which includes Joan Plowright, Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.
Cher: The Film Collection is probably a set for Cher enthusiasts only, as the quality of the films included is variable, and they all exist as separate editions already. (Moonstruck fans should wait for the Feburary Blu-ray release anyway.)
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