Gideon

This film is a delightful mix of fun moments, poignant moments, and sad moments, all tied together beautifully by possibly the greatest cast assembled for one film in the last decade. "Gideon" highlights some of America's most loved actors along with an absolutely inspired performance by Christopher Lambert. Add to this a strong performance by Mykelti Williamson and you have one very enjoyable film that can be enjoyed by persons of all tastes and ages. The only disappointing thing about this movie is that it didn't get released to theatres here in the U.S. and is not even for sale here! Not understanding the reasons for this, it makes this viewer very upset. Keeping a jewel such as this from the American movie-going public is a crime! Here is a movie that the "family-movie" distributors should have snapped up--and they need to wake up and do so. Kudos to Lambert and writer Brad Mirman for making us care, really care, about these characters.

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

Ok...once you get over the "if we mix Cocoon with Being There and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest we will have a hit!" comparisons, you will find that Gideon is a well acted ensemble film that works in spite of it's influences (the aforementioned films). Yes...the script is sometimes overly sweet. Yes, there are archetypes in the different characters. Yes, there is a distinct scent of familiar plot devices. But, who cares? Gideon delivers solid entertainment and heartwarming storytelling on a basic level. Christopher Lambert is credited as co-producer on the credits. That fact tells me one thing...that Lambert has a heart underneath the blank/sullen stare that has (in my opinion) hindered his chances of being more highly regarded in the "system" that is Hollywood. A good family film and fine Saturday/Sunday afternoon viewing. I would even watch this film on local TV with commercial interruption. It's that good! We need more films like "Gideon" to overcome the cynicism of current Hollywood movie making. In my view, "Gideon" is a Gem!

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.

"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 ****