It may be difficult for many to picture the queen of the transparent dress, Cher, as the gray-haired, widowed daughter of a repressive Italian-American family. Well, as difficult as it is to picture, it is still harder to believe, although in “Moonstruck” (the latest effort from everyone’s favorite health club spokeswoman) Cher gives it her best shot.

“Moonstruck” is a fluffy, often amusing and occasionally insightful modern comedy of manners. The film chronicles the romances of the aforementioned widow with an eminently suitable but ultimately vapid man and his volatile, passionate younger brother.

As mentioned, Cher seems unnatural in her role as the dowdy Loretta Castorini, who plans to marry the sensible Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello) not because she loves him but because “it’s the thing to do.”

However, after falling for the mercurial Ronny Cammareri (Nicolas Cage) and metamorphosizing into a glamorous creature fit to grace the covers of magazines, Cher is superb (wonder why?).

As Loretta’s lackluster fiance, Aiello is appropriately staid. One alternately feels pity and contempt for the mother-fixated Johnny, though by the end of the film, all patience with his wishy-washiness is lost.

Cage, in his attempt to appear completely at variance with Aiello, comes on a bit strong at first. However, by the time Ronny, as a one-handed baker who has long been his elder brother’s rival, has captured Loretta’s heart, Cage has won the affection, if not the adoration, of his audience.