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Film Title: Martian Child

 Best for ages: 7 and up.

Movie Website: Click Here

Year Released: 2007

Rated: PG (US)

SYNOPSIS

  John Cusack is a science fiction writer named David, whom recently lost his wife. Now a widower, David decides that he would like to adapt a child like him and his wife had planned on eventually doing. At first he is not sure if it's the right time for him to do such a thing so he talks to his sister Liz (Played by John Cusack real life sister Joan Cusack.) about his decision. She agrees that he not ready, however once David goes to the orphanage to tell the social worker that he's not ready he finds himself interested in a boy named Dennis who spends the day hidden in a cardboard box.  David soon learns that Dennis believes he is from Mars and was sent to Earth on a mission to document human life. David being a science fiction writer falls in love with the boy and agrees to adapt him despite his decision not too. However, David has to prove to the social workers that he can help Dennis come to terms that he is not from Mars and help him adapt to a more socially excepted life style. David takes on the challenge while trying to write a sequel to his hit book, but finds out that being a father to this special child is going to take a lot of work.

VIOLENCE/GRAPHIC CONTENT/language

   For the most part there is nothing in this film that can even remotely be considered over the top. Yet most of the situations in the film are very adult orientated and some of the issues discussed in the film are about how to handle children with special needs and the psychology behind it. There are however a few scenes that parent might not want their young kids to see, mainly because they involve some very intense sequences such as a scene where Dennis aka the Martian Child goes out on the roof ledge of a planetarium. He also steals a lot in the movie, from school mates, people and even his adapted father David. There is also a scene where two kids are wrestling violently with a dog, but it's nothing to really be too concerned about.

OVERALL VIEWS

   The overall production of Martian Child is just great. The script which is based on the novel Martian Child by David Gerrold is wonderful. The acting by John Cusack and Bobby Coleman as Dennis (aka Martian Child) and the way both actors worked together were nothing but perfect. Even the supporting cast which included Joan Cusack, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt, Richard Schiff, Sophie Okonedo and even a cameo appearance by Anjelica Huston, where nothing but top notch. It's a very well put together film with a lot of great things going on.

   Martian Child is a very light heated comedy that my wife and myself found ourselves laughing and smiling throughout the whole film.  It's more of a movie that adults will enjoy more than children will. Especially for parents who will be more than able to relate to the characters as there are a lot of funny, yet basic things in the film that most kids do that put a smile on your face or make you laugh.  The movie also has many emotional scenes as well, that will bring tears to your eyes. The film overall is a great, and I enjoyed every second of it.  The world needs more great emotional films such as Martian Child.

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