IMDb RATING
5.4/10
7.3K
YOUR RATING
Recently orphaned, a young boy is taken in by his godmother who is shocked to realize that she can see the boy's imaginary friend: a flamboyant, French magician named Bogus.Recently orphaned, a young boy is taken in by his godmother who is shocked to realize that she can see the boy's imaginary friend: a flamboyant, French magician named Bogus.Recently orphaned, a young boy is taken in by his godmother who is shocked to realize that she can see the boy's imaginary friend: a flamboyant, French magician named Bogus.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Awards
- 1 win & 3 nominations total
Gérard Depardieu
- Bogus
- (as Gerard Depardieu)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
After reading the many comments and watching the movie several times, I think I realize why Albert's friend was French. The people he was closest to in his former life were the French magician and his wife/partner. Therefore it made sense that his imaginary friend was like them. I loved the movie and though Harriet seemed to change suddenly in some people's opinion, I think she was changing throughout the movie. The looks she gave and the thoughts that seemed to be going through her mind, were very evident of that fact. Gérard Depardieu was excellent in the part of Bogus, the evidence between him being so big and the boy so small. How many times have we as adults wished for someone big and strong to take us up and give us comfort? I loved the ending where he wandered away to help another child. Sometimes in my life, I wish for someone like him. He also has a lovely smile. Good movie for that time when you are wanting something different.
I can't believe there are bunch of people saying this movie is not really good. I thought it was original and its casual self. It didn't need to be changed in any way. It was funny, bright, happy, and a crowd-pleaser. It can make anyone smile and there was never a chance I would say this movie is bad. It has imagination, reality, and everything mixed in. The ingredients are good and well done the actors were really good and had a sense-of-humnor. You can tell nobody forced them to be like that and you can actually see they are their own self. Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg (Ghost) does a good preformance and Haley Joel Osment, future Oscar nominee (The Sixth Sense) was also really good. And whoever played Bogus, Gerand .... was also really good and I find him funny and would like to know more about him cause he's got talent and I bet he knows it! I like this movie and this is actually a very fresh and funny film for family movie night and it's a very good selection. When you go to Blockbusters someday, try to look for Bogus!
Doing for orphaned children what Ghost did for grieving lovers, Bogus is a sweet-natured fantasy that's sure to have some viewers reaching for a Kleenex. With The Sixth Sense still three years in his future, Haley Joel Osment plays 7-year-old Albert, whose happy life is disrupted when his mother (Nancy Travis) is killed in a traffic accident. Her will stipulates that Albert be placed in the custody of his mom's little-known half-sister, Harriet (Whoopi Goldberg), a New Jersey restaurant-supply owner who's anything but motherly. That's when Albert invents Bogus (Gerard Depardieu), an imaginary friend who springs to life from a coloring book drawing--clearly the product of Albert's need for love and companionship. It's easy to see why director Norman Jewison was drawn to the challenge of this delicate, charmingly cast fantasy/drama whimsically written by Alvin Sargent (Oscar®-winner for Ordinary People), and there are some lovely moments that capture a fleeting sense of wonder. But like the similar fantasy Three Wishes, the magic is lightweight and it doesn't always work. Your best bet is to just surrender to the sentiment, and don't be surprised if you shed a tear or two.
It is definitely one of my favorites, the actors all did an extraordinary job, and it's something many can relate to, but what got me the most was the music and Cirque influences. I absolutely love Cirque du Soleil. In the credits a Cirque du Soleil song is mentioned, but I wasn't able to write it down. I know it's from the show "Saltimbanco". If anyone knows it, do tell me.
It is extremely rare that I stop on any movie while channel-surfing. This one caught my eye because of Haley Joel Osmont...this kid was amazing even at five years old! And of course Whoopi is great as always. I even liked Gerard in this one...he generally just rubs me the wrong way in his other movies for some reason. He was perfectly cast as Mr. Bogus.
This movie will be magical for those who remember (or who need to remember) those imaginary friends which got us through various growing pains. It is sweet, light-hearted, and rates 10 out of 10 on the "warm-fuzzy" factor. Even my husband thought it was cute, and he's not normally into these kind of movies. Loved it!
This movie will be magical for those who remember (or who need to remember) those imaginary friends which got us through various growing pains. It is sweet, light-hearted, and rates 10 out of 10 on the "warm-fuzzy" factor. Even my husband thought it was cute, and he's not normally into these kind of movies. Loved it!
Did you know
- TriviaDenis Mercier dubbed himself in the French version.
- GoofsAs they drive away from the airport, the boom mic is clearly reflected in car windows.
- Quotes
Harriet Franklin: This isn't going to work. I haven't had a conversation with a child since I was a child.
- SoundtracksThe Best of Friends
Written by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Alan Bergman & Marilyn Bergman
Performed by Dr. John
Produced by Dr. John and John Clayton
- How long is Bogus?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Bogus: mi mejor amigo
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $4,357,406
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $1,895,593
- Sep 8, 1996
- Gross worldwide
- $4,357,406
- Runtime
- 1h 50m(110 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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