'Martian Child' lands with emotional plot
By Jen Pontzer, Staff Writer
November 22, 2007 | 2:17 a.m.
Based on the novel of the same title by David Gerrold, “Martian Child” is a quirky, funny film about a widower who adopts a child who believes he is from Mars.
David (John Cusack) is a science fiction writer who adopts a boy two years after his wife, Mary, dies. Initially, no one, including David, thinks it is a good idea. David does not believe he can handle raising a kid on his own, especially one who stays in a cardboard box when outdoors. After spending time with Dennis (Bobby Coleman) at the adoption center, David becomes attached. He learns that Dennis does not like the sun and brings him sunscreen and sunglasses, and eventually Dennis comes out of the box. As David and Dennis start a new life together, Dennis learns about baseball and being yourself while David learns about Martian wishes and being a father.
The writing and direction in this movie were mostly excellent, and director Menno Meyjes did an exceptional job with the camera work. There were interesting shots from Dennis’ point of view from inside the box and through the sunroof of David’s car. Meyjes always has the actors doing something instead of just sitting around and talking. Watching David’s sister Liz (Joan Cusack) making food for her kids or doing laundry while having a conversation makes the movie more realistic, which is a real feat when Dennis is a boy who can supposedly change traffic lights with Martian wishes and taste color.
Writers Seth Bass (“The Twilight of the Golds”) and Jonathan Tolins (“Queer as Folk”) use language and sentence structure that people in real life use, which is refreshing in a world of shoot-em-up films with little plot. However, the problem with this movie also happens to be the writing-- it tries so hard to be the opposite of an action film that it becomes overly sappy.
"Martian Child" really wants to make you cry, but mostly just the characters cry, especially Dennis. Dennis is supposed to be a curious boy, but he always looks on the verge of tears. Coleman also uses a thin, whiny voice, which, while making sense for the part, is also an annoyance after so long.
Thankfully, there are veteran actors to pick up Coleman’s slack. John and Joan Cusack team up again playing brother and sister, which is not too difficult because they are brother and sister in real life. They have a wonderful dynamic with each other. Amanda Peet plays Harlee, a close family friend and potential love interest for David. Harlee tows the line between a major character and a supporting character, as the relationship between David and Harlee still is not resolved by the film's end.
The main theme of the movie is be yourself, no matter what. Accepting people is the most important thing you can do, or you might lose them. Overall, people who love sappy and feel-good movies will love “Martian Child.”
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Catch "Martian Child" at the Athena Grand.
Speakeasy Rating: B-
Running Time: 108 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements and mild language
Genre: Dramedy