Powder

It is rare that I see a movie as unforgettable and unpredictable as Powder. I am not a man who is easily impressed with special affects, but in this movie the affects always served a purpose instead of covering up the fact that there was no purpose. In an age where movies have become multiple scenes of graphic violence and corny excuses for stories, Powder is refreshing, filled with the meaning of humanity, and moved me to tears throughout the entire film. With most films, I am able to predict exactly what will happen and when. With Powder I could never quite tell what was going to happen next, and the ending was something I would have never imagined would happen and could only be described as extraordinary. There are so many elements to this movie: The paranormal; the challenge to everything we think we know about science and the capabilities of the human mind; the human capacity for cruelty; love and forgiveness; and the hope that our own humanity will one day advance beyond our own technology. Most of all, the raw emotion of this great masterpiece reaches deep into the heart and leaves an impression that stays with you. This is one of those rare movies that you will never forget, a true classic that illustrates truths about humanity that have existed since the beginning of time.

There are very few films that take a simple storyline & deliver better than good performances but "Powder" breaks the rules. Sean Patrick Flannery gives a wonderful performance worthy of honorable mention. With an excellent ensemble cast consisting of Mary Steenburgen, Lance Henricksen, & Jeff Goldbloom, "Powder" excels on a grand scale where other lower budget movies have failed. Very few quirks in editing & subtle nuances did not hurt this film enough to let it's message shine.

"Powder" is the poignant story of Jeremy "Powder" Reed, an young introverted recluse who is stumbled upon when his grandparents pass away leaving him alone on their farm. Jeremy was born to a mother who was struck by lightning thus transforming the tiny newborn to the horror of his birth father, John Box. Jeremy is a special human being because of his albino skin & hairless body, telekinetic powers, & superior intellect. Jeremy has read voraciously, has never watched television, & has never been off his grandparent's farm. Jeremy has lived in the cellar his whole life, never to have experienced the outside world.

Found by a local sheriff Doug Barnum(Henricksen) & boys state school director Jessica Caldwell(Steenburgen), Jeremy is taken from the farm & placed in the state boys home to live. While at the state boys home, Jeremy is studied by staff, ridiculed & ostracized by fellow boys, & seen more as an "object" rather than a person. State Boy's Home teacher Donald Ripley(Goldbloom) takes to Jeremy & understands more than anyone who & what Jeremy really is; a genius who is closer to being the only perfect human ever on Earth. Sheriff Barnum, dealing with his spouse dying of cancer & a strained relationship with his only son, has a lot on his plate besides Jeremy. After several run-ins at the boys home, Jeremy strikes out on his own back to his grandparent's farm. Jeremy gets a ride home from Jessica who only wants whats right for him.

Sensing the sadness in Sheriff Doug Barnum's heart, Jeremy visits his home & uses his incredible gift to give him his dying wife's last thoughts. Barnum's wife's last thoughts were of him finally letting go of her & repairing his relationship with his son. Jeremy ultimately ends up at the farm with Jessica Caldwell & is confronted by the Sheriff Barnum & State Trooper Deputy Harley Duncan. Sensing the coming storm, Jeremy runs out to the field only to reach his most yearned for place, that being the freedom of pure energy. Jeremy is happy for the first time since his grandparent's death, & now he can join them in heaven.

"Powder" will warm your heart & produce a few tears for those who love a different kind of "feel-good" film. Flannery's performance is unforgettable & vaults him above his peers as an actor. Grab your snack, drink, & box of Kleenex for this one. Enjoy!!!!

The movie 'Powder' is a return to innocence. It possesses a spiritual quality that opens the eyes to life. And it lends a soothing note to those questions for which their seems to be more questions and few answers. Sean Patrick Flannery's performance was so powerful that one could actually feel the unconditional love within the heart and soul of the character that he played. The concepts that were brought forward, the passion that came with every dramatic scene, and the sense of realism and truth made it one of the most thought provoking movies of all time. Powder was not based on a true story, but it is, I feel, everybody's true story in some way, and it is as powerful, passionate, and inspirational as any true story I have ever seen. Some viewers may wish to begrudge the apparent perfection portrayed by the lead character. However, his only perfection was the way he searched so deep, often at great personal expense, for the suppressed perfection in everyone, and the hidden perfection in everything. I was somewhat disappointed by how the family quality of the movie was spoiled by the use of language by the school bully. Still, a must see for anybody who enjoys a thought provoking film once in a while. Even if you're a person who would prefer to sit down with a good book, as am I, the movie 'Powder' is definitely worth your time. In conclusion: 'Powder' is one of my favourite movies of all time. Seconded, in my opinion, only to 'The Boondock Saints'; also starring Sean Patrick Flannery.

Powder couldn't help being born different. He also couldn't change that he possessed extraordinary abilities. But, once taken from his natal home into mainstream US society, he was taunted, harassed & made to feel like a freak simply because his physical appearance was a little different & his sensitivities were heightened.

I rated this film a 10 because it has the solid potential to reach a wide audience including families with children; yet, an interesting enough plot to hold an adult's attention. The message about tolerance from the film is powerful.

It deals with a disability subject rarely, if ever, viewed in theaters or movies. I strongly recommend that people (like the US Presidential candidates, Congress members, religious 'leaders', officers of the courts & law, plus school children of all ages) be required to see this film before ever being called a 'public servant' or attending public or private schools.

Many positive superlatives could not express the brilliance of this film. It astounds me that given the rather un-original state Hollywood has been in since 1980 (and continues to be in with the blatant and dull John Travolta rip-off of Phenomenon in 1996) that such a wonderful film was given the green light. It is always a rarity to see this type of masterpiece hit the screen... and a pleasure too. There was much controversy surrounding this film upon its initial release... mostly of the kind that had nothing to do with the actual movie. To that I can only say one thing... it takes more then one person to make a movie! Get over it. Besides the clever, thought provoking, tender, respectful and intelligent script penned by Victor Salva, he also does a top-notch job in the direction. I loved this movie, I own this movie and I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone.