Rated: PG
Starring: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Joan Cusack, Sophie Okonedo, Oliver Platt
Directed by: Menno Meyjes

• Official Site

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.

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mathewas   |2007-11-01 13:29:49 This is a definite must see on my list! Thanks for reviewing it[smiley=wink] Reply 0   0

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."