Out of all the family-oriented films being released in November, this one seems to have had the smallest promotional budget. A pity, as it may be the best family film of the year.
John Cusack plays David, a best-selling science fiction author who's felt lost since the death of his wife a couple of years ago. He finds himself relating more to the alien creature of his latest hit novel than he does to the hero.
Bobby Coleman plays Dennis, an intensely troubled young boy convinced that he's actually from Mars.
Joan Cusack plays against type as John's quirky older sister.
Amanda Peet has a somewhat smaller role as Harlee, who's either John Cusack's best friend or his potential love interest. Thankfully, the film lets most of that element remain unspoken.
David and Dennis both try hard to do what they feel will make the other happy. Both end up screwing up just as often as they get things right.
I like that the film for the most part avoids the tropes of this sort of film. There are a -couple- of cheery musical montages, but they're brief.
There's the phony happiness before the final crisis, but it comes naturally into the story.
I left the theater happy and uplifted. It was a good feeling. Highly recommended.
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
I want to see this movie. One day I might adopt an older child.
Posted by Uprooted (Member # 8353) on :
I was wondering if you were going to weigh in on this one! I'll definitely be seeing it when I come up for air from my current work crunch. I love John Cusack.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
John Cusack is sheer goodness.
As is Joan.
Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
I like the book, and I like the Cusacks, so I'll be seeing it soon.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
They've changed it a bit from the book, but it's still very good.
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
The guy inthe paper blasted the movie because the main character isn't gay anymore. It's nice to know the movie's ok on its own terms. I thought the previews looked cute, so I might check that out when it hits the dollar theater.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Really, the sexuality of the protagonist is irrelevant to the story. It's certainly not worth a "blasting".
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I loved it. It got terrible reviews, but I am not a movie buff. I just loved it.
I wonder, though, why John Cusack lost his Chicago(Midwest? W New York?) accent, and Joan did not?
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
I'm still waiting for Puffy Treat to make a thread on "I Am Legend". I'm anxious to see that -- although I realize it isn't out yet, and all we get are teaser trailers.
Posted by TL (Member # 8124) on :
There's a full trailer now, probably playing before American Gangster in most theaters. It's awesome, this trailer.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
quote:Originally posted by Farmgirl: I'm still waiting for Puffy Treat to make a thread on "I Am Legend". I'm anxious to see that -- although I realize it isn't out yet, and all we get are teaser trailers.
I remember making a thread about the teaser, later one for the full trailer...but I'm too lazy to look 'em up.
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