Gideon

When an actor and a writer do something that truly touches people, then he has left behind far more than just a movie. I could immediately relate to the script. It is a mirror of humanity . Mr. Mirman has out done himself here with his incredible insight, whit, and humor. The movie never drags or loose's your attention because it captures you from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. Somehow I felt through out the film that Mr. Mirman was trying to teach us as well as entertain us. How wonderful to see that real life can still touch us on film. I can not say enough about the quality of acting here. The whole cast did a wonderful job, and Mr. Lambert was completely believable and in control of his character. There were two other movies that came to mind as I watched Gideon. One was the movie, " Forest Gump ", and the similarities are based on the main characters. Both Mr. Lambert and Tom Hanks playing a simple minded man, whose life seems to profit from his misfortune. I thought they were equally as good at portraying their characters. The other movie I thought about was "Cocoon", which dealt with elderly people in a setting where they were all thrown together. Again, I found the acting to be equally as good. I voted it a ten because it is a movie I will never forget, and one I feel should be acknowledged for it's performance.

Renee Wyatt

Gideon is a pleasant watchable drama about a mentally retarded adult who is sent by his aunt to an asylum. Gideon Dobbs is played superbly by Cristopher Lambert - yes, you heard me well, the guy from Highlander, Mortal Kombat or Beowulf.

So you can imagine my surprise seing him in this difficult role. The story is not at all spectacular or original. It's even forced in some moments and the intentions of the director are clear from the beginning. The good point of this normal simple movie are the characters: very well built and very well played. Well maybe except for the crook (well, so-called crook) in the bar. He seems just like an element needed to accentuate Gideon's "abilities". Well it's an enjoyable drama, but too simple to worth more than a 6 out of 10.

"Gideon" is a movie that I admire more for the little, added things that are thrown in rather in the story as a whole. Plotwise, it is a rehash of many films, "One Flew Over a Cuckoo's Nest," "Forrest Gump," and "Cocoon" to name a few, and just about every major twist and turn is easily recognizable. However, it is the little touches and characterizations-- the smaller ideas and touches that the film adds-- that make it work and make it absolutely delightful viewing. That and an excellent cast of veteran actors (Heston is a sight for sore eyes and Christopher Lambert's portrayal of a simpleton might be out-of-his-element, but very welcome. His performance is as least effective as Kevin Bacon in "Digging to China." This is pretty good proof that if he was given a chance to do some real acting with a good script, he could do an excellent job).

Saying anything would tell too much. Just rent it and enjoy a nice, refreshing little movie in the spirit of "Rain Man."

*** out of ****

What do you get when you put a cast of legendary actors together with one of the most talented actors who's movies are generally hard to find in the United States? Christopher Lambert portrays Gideon Dobbs, a simple man, who touches others out of genuine love for them - maybe without even knowing he's doing it - or maybe because of that genuine love he has for them. He puts their needs before his own and brings them back to the life they thought was long lost.

His small acts of kindness may seem trivial, but the impact of those acts change people's lives forever, and bring joy where joy was no more.

Charlton Heston, Carroll O'Connor, Shelley Winters, Shirley Jones - all of the cast in this movie bring the humor and emotion that we so crave and miss in today's movie productions. Brad Mirman's writing is excellent and his scripts should be watched closely in the future. Claudia Hoover's direction is high quality.

Don't miss this movie. The world desperately needs more of the same.

I wonder how in this world of mediocrity, such a gem as `Gideon' can be overlooked? To say it had a stellar cast would be superfluous, the screen play was great and developed each of the characters to their utmost potential. It is a heart warming story without shamelessly tugging at your heart strings. If you have any regard for well thought out and well executed story telling, then you owe it to yourself to seek out this lost treasure.