Watch Pontiac Moon

Pontiac Moon is a 1994 comedy-drama directed by Peter Medak and starring Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ryan Todd. The film follows the journey of a father-son duo Walter and Andy, as they set out on a cross-country road trip to witness the launch of a space rocket, at a time when NASA was losing its appeal in the public eye. The movie starts with Walter (Ted Danson) a high school astronomy teacher driving his son Andy (Ryan Todd), a young science enthusiast, to school in his 1969 Pontiac GTO. One day, while teaching his class, Walter realizes that he is losing his grip on his students and that they are not interested in space exploration or astronomy. So, he decides to take matters into his own hands and take Andy on a road trip to Florida, to witness a moon launch before NASA's funding for the program is cut.

As they embark on their journey, Walter and Andy encounter various obstacles and experiences that test their relationship and teach them important life lessons. From encountering a group of hippies to picking up a runaway bride, Walter and Andy's journey is full of adventures and unexpected detours.

The heart of the story lies in the relationship between Walter and Andy. As they travel together, they slowly begin to understand each other better and appreciate each other's views. While Walter dreams of living in space, Andy is more grounded and wants to experience life on Earth. This fundamental difference leads to some conflicts, but the duo find a way to compromise and learn from each other.

The film also touches upon some broader themes such as the disengagement of the public from space travel, the commercialization, and privatization of space travel, and the relationship between science and society.

Ted Danson's performance as Walter is likable and funny, and Mary Steenburgen's role as his wife adds a touch of warmth to the story. Ryan Todd gives an excellent portrayal of Andy, capturing the essence of a young boy struggling to find his place in life.

The film's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the American countryside, and the soundtrack featuring songs by Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, among others, adds to the film's nostalgic and feel-good vibe.

In conclusion, Pontiac Moon is a heartwarming road trip movie that combines comedy, drama, and a touch of science fiction. Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, and Ryan Todd give strong performances, and the film's message about the importance of science, exploration and relationships is just as relevant today.

Pontiac Moon is a 1994 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.