Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language.
Directed by Menno Meyjes
Starring John Cusack, Bobby Coleman, Amanda Peet, Joan Cusack, and Oliver Platt
This is my “sleeper” pick of the year—a great film that slips under the radar because of poor box office response or bad reviews. I’m going against the grain on this one… I loved it.
David (John Cusack) is a science fiction writer who is still in the grieving process after recently losing his wife. Prior to her death, the couple had decided to adopt a child. Against the advice of his sister (Joan Cusack), friends (Oliver Platt) and child advocates, David adopts a young boy (Bobby Coleman) who claims to be from Mars.
Without a doubt most movies hitting the Cineplex or Blockbuster’s shelves are high-octane, action-packed films filled with sex and/or foul language…and let’s be honest…most times, we love them. But every once in awhile a slower-paced, clean, heart-warming story like Martian Child is released and it is met with negative reviews. I’m not surprised, but I do realize I’m in the minority when I say that I really enjoyed this film.
I certainly didn’t go there thinking I would like Martian Child this much or even at all. But sitting in the theater, watching this film with my wife, I found myself enjoying it more and more.
John Cusack is fantastic as we journey with him through grief, difficult relationships and the adoption process. Bobby Coleman is both creepy and lovable all the way through and really makes the character come alive. Once again Joan Cusack (his sister both on and off screen) provides a perfect counter-balance to John’s character and Amanda Peet gives one of her best performances, not to mention that she keeps her shirt on.
Not only were the actors great, but I loved the story too. It was authentic, smart and touching and had me laughing one minute and on the verge of tears the next. I was drawn in quickly and found myself caring about each character. So go check it out…but hurry, movies like this don’t stay in the theaters for long.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Honestly I think younger kids will just be bored by the story and older kids, just won’t care. But there is nothing offensive in this PG-rated film.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
