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 Rated: PG
Starring: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Joan Cusack, Sophie Okonedo, Oliver Platt
Directed by: Menno Meyjes
I was impressed with John Cusack and newcomer Bobby
Coleman"s acting in Martian Child, a romantic comedy/drama. This sincere little film not only has good
acting, but a message that warms the heart.
Bring a whole box of tissues to this one, but only because of the tears
of happiness it brings.
David (Cusack), a Science Fiction writer who has
recently lost his wife, finds himself bewildered and emotional, trying to
put some of the love he’s missing back into his life. He decides that adoption would at least bring
him someone to care for and a chance to build a future.
Instead of choosing a likely candidate, David
takes interest in Dennis, a child who claims he’s from Mars and hides in a box
much like he has been doing since his fatal loss. David enlists his friend Harlee (Peet) to
help him with the strange child, and the trio starts to feel like a
family. When Dennis gets stubborn about
where he came from, the ‘family’ gets caught up in a series of strange
occurrences that lead them to believe that Dennis’s claim may be true.
Cusack
gives one of his best performances in a love story since his roles in Serendipity and
High Fidelity. I liked him
equally in all three films. His
character’s sincerity and warm feelings for the confused young child are very
earnest.
Coleman’s
acting ability and charm are amazing for a child his age, this being his first
film. The boy turns on the magic from
the moment he’s introduced, drawing you to his lovable character.
For the film to work, there has to
be a strong bond between Coleman's and Cusack’s characters, and there’s no mistake about
it, the chemistry is there. I especially
like the grocery shopping trip where Dennis only wants Lucky Charms. The look on the check out girl is priceless
when the two start piling the boxes up on her counter.
Peet was cast nicely as the new love interest, she’s the much needed glue
that holds the plot together. Her sweet
motherly instinct that she brings to the role, especially shown in the baseball
practice scene, is enjoyable. The
excellent direction by Meyjes (Empire Of The Sun and The Color Purple),
who guides the actors through the storyline to the heartfelt finish, kept me interested and intrigued.
Martian Child can be
viewed by most anyone and makes a good family night out. I especially liked the lack of strong
violence and language that are prevalent in most films of late.
FINAL
ANALYSIS: Martian Child is a very good family and date film that will
warm your heart.
This is a definite must see on my list! Thanks for reviewing it  |
