Review of Moscow on the Hudson (1984) by David M — 27 Aug 2016

At times a very human and tender film, and at others a meandering film that hits the wrong notes as it switches tones. It only really works because of the genuine performance that Williams gives neither leaning on his broad comic sensibilities or his tendency to misty-eyed weepiness.

The film centers around a Russian musician who defects to the US during a stateside concert. Moscow does an admirable job making the Soviet a real place and not a cartoon hell. The patriotism it evokes is also the kind Americans should be more proud of: Vladimir is a hard working immigrant who only seems to meet other immigrants of various backgrounds.

A nation of immigrants. Moscow also doesn't shy away from the uglier side of America while also mining its fair share of fish out of water comedy. The whole thing just doesn't seem to come together in a way that is as satisfying as various parts.