Martian Child

Martian Child
by Menno Meyjes

Martian Child
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DVD Cover Information

Actor: Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman, Joan Cusack, John Cusack, Sophie Okonedo
Director: Menno Meyjes
Brand: NEW Line Home Video
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround
Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 106 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-02-12
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: New Line Cinema
Product features:
  • After decades of playing single men in romantic comedies from theic SAY ANYTHING to the critical favorite HIGH FIDELITY, the year 2007 marks a change for John Cusack. With roles as fathers in 1408, GRACE IS GONE, and MARTIAN CHILD, the beloved actor grows up and deserves some of the highest praise of his career. In MARTIAN CHILD, David Gordon (Cusack) is a successful science fiction author, plague

Movie Reviews of Martian Child

Movie Review: For the "Martian" in all of us
Summary: 5 Stars

I first saw "Martian Child" because I was intrigued by the premise of a child that thought he was from Mars. After watching the movie, though, I realized that we all have a bit of the "Martian" in us. Dennis (Bobby Coleman) has been abandoned by his parents and spends his days hiding under a large box, seeing the world only through the handle slot. Although most people do not go this far in expressing their feeling of not belonging, many of us have experienced at least some degree of rejection and disenfranchisement, and this makes it easy to understand why Dennis finds it difficult to come out of his box. As science fiction writer David, played superbly by John Cusack, patiently draws him out, the two form a bond, and Dennis begins to make the transition between his isolated and lonely life to one that is more normal--although far from ordinary. Dennis still has plenty of quirks, including the need to wear a weight belt to keep him from floating away due to the fact that Earth's force of gravity is lower than that of Mars.

The journey from box to being David's son is one fraught with troubles and humor, and watching this movie is somehow rejuvenating. Cusack's portrayal of David, with his deep affection for his new son and his humorous responses to Dennis's quirky statements and behavior is heartening. His sensitivity to Dennis's feelings is touching, as well; when Dennis is expelled from school for stealing and being "different from the others," David does not tell him he was expelled but that he (David) and the teacher agreed that a new school would be a good idea.

Dennis continues to tell David that he is on a mission from Mars, and his acts of stealing are part of that mission; he is gathering information to take back to Mars with him. David is annoyed when Dennis still believes he is a Martian after staying with him for some time, but he begins to notice strange evidence that there may be some truth to the story. Dennis makes "Martian wishes," for example, that always come to pass exactly as wished. Could he truly be from Mars after all? The truth does not come out until the end of the movie.

This is a truly splendid movie that treats a painful subject in a fairly light and amusing manner yet still demonstrates respect and sensitivity toward Dennis. Anyone who has ever felt that he didn't belong can identify with Dennis, and he is a character that you care about. John Cusack's work in the movie is stellar, and I was literally shocked to discover that the movie was not a hit at the box office. Even the music and the choreography of the "nice talk" scene with Dennis and David to the tune of "Satellite" are charming. This movie is a refreshing change from the usual formula films that are as predictable as clockwork. It's offbeat but thoroughly engaging, and despite some inevitable challenges that Dennis and David must go through, it is a feel-good movie that leaves the viewer feeling that anything is possible. After watching it the first time, I knew I was going to buy it. I recommend it!

Summary of Martian Child

MARTIAN CHILD - DVD Movie
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