The Mosquito Coast
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Movie Reviews of The Mosquito Coast
Movie Review: He dropped out of Harvard - to get an education...
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie not only has one of the best actors ever taking the lead role - it has a great storyline. Harrison Ford's character is a little on the weird side, but is also very easy for the viewer to relate to in one way or the other.
How many people living in America have thought about the possiblity of leaving the country? How many people would love to experience what a more simplistic way of life could be without feeling bogged down by all of our modern technologies and so-called advancements? Yet very few ever take the risk...
Although Allie is disenchanted with what America has become over the years, he is also psychologically fitted with a traditional protestant work ethic; the same mindset upon which America was built - this irony is seen by the decisions he makes throughout the film, and this drives him to insanity.
The characters surrounding Allie create the conflict within the film, most notably his son Charlie (played by River Pheonix), who narrates during the film and tells the events from his point of view. Charlie respected his father but also was able to recognize the progressive decay of his father's mental health. As the oldest (there is a younger son and daughter), Charlie takes a role of leadership within the family and sometimes has to stand up to his own rolemodel.
Allie's wife (whom he refers to as 'Mother'), is played by Helen Mirren. Her struggle in the film is seen by her submissiveness to Allie and her dedication to him often blinding her to the sickness of her husband, and thus preventing her from not allowing her family to make correct decisions.
There is a missionary whom Allie argues with which adds to the film's philosophical tension. At times you wish different descisions had been made, the direction of the storyline may frustrate you, but I believe this was the filmmakers intension - human nature can be unpredictable, untrustworthy, flawed.
Faith vs willpower, simplicity vs complexity, technology vs nature, self- fullfillment vs group responsibility...this film has it all. A MUST SEE!!!
Hopefully I have left the storyline somewhat ambiguous for those who have not seen this movie, and perhaps those who haven't seen it in a long time. I will finish this review with one of my favorite quotes from the film to further convince you of the brilliance of 'The Mosquito Coast':
"We eat when we're not hungry, drink when we're not thirsty. We buy what we don't need and throw away everything that's useful. Why sell a man what he wants? Sell him what he doesn't need. Pretend he's got eight legs and two stomachs and money to burn. It's wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong." -Allie Fox (Harrison Ford)
RECOMMENDATION: If you are looking for some other great films from 80's with great acting and storytelling then 'Gorillas in the Mist' should be next on your list. Sigourney Weaver gives her best performance in this film that is based on the real life events of the scientist Dian Fossey. Filmed on sight in Africa with the real mountain gorillas that Dian studied...BEAUTIFUL, MOVING, BRILLIANT.
Movie Review: This is an unusual, yet successful, role for Harrison Ford.
Summary: 5 Stars
Reviews are only subjective.Ford as Allie Fox is an inventor, a genius, a man too smart for the world around him. He is a mechanical engineer who takes his family to Central America in search of Utopia, as he defines it. Of course, his family does not want to leave behind civilization and all of the comforts that home brings, but no one can resist his will. Perhaps that and his abrasive irritating manner are aspects of his insanity.
He does not expect to find another zealot, particularly in the form of Reverend Spellgood (Andre Gregory) who has determined to bring Christianity to the natives. Fox's goal is to bring his definition of civilization. The conflict and comparison between two very strong characters is part of what makes Paul Theroux's story work
River Phoenix as Charlie, the son who comes of age, and through whose eyes we see this story, is brilliant. Helen Mirrin, recently of 'Calendar Girls,' is stunning; her portrayal of a woman in love with her family, wanting to support her husband, yet protect her family is touching. John Seale's, directory of photography, work is outstanding, and reminds me of other fascinating movies brought to life by the careful use of lights, shadows, and lush, verdant scenery.
Ford's portrayal of the disintegration of a brilliant man, inventor, know-it-all, family despot is compelling, but gets lost in the slow, tedious complexities of a long journey - both mentally and the one his family travels. Yet, it has been almost twenty years since I saw the theatrical release, and I remember this film. I still think about it, wonder about motives and actions - and that is what makes this an excellent film, in my opinion.
This is one of the most difficult films to rate because it was overly long and somewhat wearisome, but it is also powerful. However, when actors, a story, and cinematography linger in my imagination and analysis processes since 1986, I must give it five stars. I know that some people will be bored because it is slow, but I will watch it many times to enjoy the nuances.
Victoria Tarrani
Movie Review: Immoderately Neato
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie brings new dimensions of meaning to the word "rationalization." Harrison Ford's three-quarters-crazy character, Ally Fox, is one of the more spookily magnetic nutball geniuses it has been my pleasure to view in action. His goal of creating a utopia falls into the usual pitfalls in store for such schemes... Actually, he really CAN make things more pleasant for everyone, because he seriously is tremendously gifted, in a mechanical way. The problem is, he's nuts, so he needs to always be in the center, revealing truths to people, and having them enthralled by his charisma. He can never, ever leave well enough alone. It just ain't gonna happen, it's not in his nature... One little scene no one seems to really notice is the Thanksgiving dinner the Fox family celebrates in the jungle. Helen Mirren comes downstairs, resplendent in her holiday garb, and the whole family is happy for a few moments. There is an awkward pause, and then they all dig in and start eating. What is missing here? Ummm... Well, what holiday are they supposed to be celebrating? That's right, Thanksgiving! Do they say grace? Do they give thanks? No way! For my money, that little moment was one of the most telling things in the whole movie. Ally Fox is like a black hole for simple, thankful happiness. He just sucks it in, and it's never seen again. He's always focused on his next project, and life itself just passes him by, unless he can use it for one of his perfectionist schemes. And even as things deteriorate for him, (near the end he is basically paralyzed), his brain just keeps on going, and coming up with reasons why he is heading in just the direction he wants to be headed in. It's pretty spooky. Talk about your basic tragic hero. Lordie lordie. Seventeen billion thumbs up.Movie Review: One of the Best Damn 'Classical-American' Films Ever Made
Summary: 5 Stars
I am disgusted at editorial reviews of this film that claim Allie Fox to be eccentric, mad and obsessive- do not be fooled by the rambling of these idiots.
This film is not about a madman, it is about an idealist. If you believe America to be the Land of Oppurtunity- not the Land of Result, if you believe in hard work; if you believe in technocracy; if you believe that a mans destiny is determined by what he makes it, that that destiny is not to be left alone to God, but that God made Man intelligent and strong so that he could survive and better his world; if you believe that a mans efforts, thoughts and struggles are the things which compose his body, blood and soul- that these efforts are worth dying for, that they are a mans life and that those who would take them from him are taking no less than his life and are no less than murderers and thieves; if you believe these things to be true then this movie is for you. On the other hand, if you're a mosquito and any of these things make you feel uncomfortable then this movie was not meant for you- however such evil creatures as yourself may find the film enjoyable as you may choose to morbidly relish in the struggle and pains of the protagonist.
The film is deep and intelligent and riddled with powerful lines and scenes; the details of which I wouldn't dare reveal to you. I will say that The Mosquito Coast is a tragedy that brings some comfort in knowing that one is not the only one who thinks as one does- that the world of Good Men is not entirely lonely. I more than highly recommend The Mosquito Coast- it is a film not to be missed.
Movie Review: Book Expertly Brought To Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Striking locations, solid acting, and fidelity to the original story make this an excellent film. In contrast to what has been written in certain other reviews, this is exactly the way in which a book should be brought to life on the silver screen.To wit- much of the dialogue used in the film has been lifted directly from the book. The storyline follows the novel with nearly exact precision. Sure, some of the detail gets left out, but it's impossible to make a feature-length film from a full-length novel without losing some of the subleties. If they're that important to you, skip the movie and stick to the book.
Secondly, Harrison Ford's preformance as the self-destructive genius Allie Fox is beyond question. Author Paul Theroux was among Ford's biggest fans, once quoted as saying "He IS Allie Fox." Ford took the role after Jack Nicholson turned it down, and this is likely for the best - his performance, superlatives aside, is in fact Oscar-worthy. The rest of the cast offers standout performances - especially noteworthy are Helen Mirren and the late River Phoenix, as Mother and Charlie respectively.
Perhaps this film's biggest detriment is the story itself - the psychologically dark plot can be as off-putting as it is fascinating.
This film should be viewed for what it is - an excellent film version of the book and a fascinating, dark tale of self-destruction. Fans of Harrison Ford's lighter action films might not enjoy the movie because of the dark plot. This movie, however, was never intended to please all of the people all of the time; keeping that in mind, this is an excellent film.