Gideon

I just watched this movie on STARZ! a little while ago and, while it isn't a masterpiece, it was pretty refreshing...and it was well-made. It's got a great cast of characters---namely the "golden" actors and actresses that haven't really gotten the respect or screen time they deserve in their later years. Actors and actresses like Shirley Jones, Charlton Heston, Barbara Bain, Harvey Korman, Carroll O'Connor, Mike Connors and Shelley Winters. Plus, it's got a nice little cast of younger actors including Christopher Lambert in the title role, Crystal Bernard, Taylor Nichols and Mykelti Williamson.

The basic premise of the film was a bit shady to me at first. I mean, out of nowhere a young man---who is apparently a little slow in the mind---shows up at a retirement home (he was sent by his "Aunt Edna") and instantly becomes the best friend of everyone, especially Addison (Charlton Heston), who we learn was a professor of philosophy at a university for 22 years. I loved Charlton's role in this movie. It was nice to see him doing something calm and fun for once. Another rather amusing character is Leo, played by Carroll O'Connor, who is constantly cracking jokes and poking fun at all of his "friends." A chef before he was admitted to the home, he always has something to say about the food. This character was very reminiscent of Connor's role as Archie Bunker on "All In The Family" and it's a welcome return in my opinion. Shirley Jones and Shelley Winters were terrific, Shirley as a friendly elderly woman who is loved by Addison, Shelley as the mean old broad who co-operates the Lakeview Retirement Home with her doctor son, Richard, played by Taylor Nichols. Crystal Bernard plays Jean, a sweet nurse who instantly takes a liking to Gideon, who is played by Christopher Lambert. This was a real change of pace for Christopher, who is mainly known for movies like "Highlander" and "Mortal Kombat." I mean, he actually ACTS in this movie. Something I didn't know he could do. After all those nonsense action films, you'd think he'd have forgotten how to act. But, apparently, he's been keeping it tucked away. He is terrific as Gideon. I'm tempted to call it Oscar-caliber work only I know he'll never get nominated because he is Christopher Lambert. Mike Connors is a laugh as a sweet old former boxer who is trying to find a way to stand up for himself. Mykelti Williamson shines as a handy man who makes friends with Gideon and discovers one of his secrets---he can't read. Harvey Korman also brings a nice little touch to the film with his brief appearances where he asks if the phone calls that are received are for him. The final phone call is especially funny. However, my personal favorite was Barbara Bain as Sarah. After all these years, Bain has remained as beautiful as ever and can still act with the best of 'em. She was wonderful to watch onscreen.

Now, I must applaud Claudia Hoover, the director of the film, for her...bravery...in making such a movie. I don't know if this is her first attempt at filmmaking or not but either way it's a fine piece of work. You get a feel for the characters and you feel for the characters. While there were a few botched places here and there in the beginning, it quickly melded together into a delightful, funny, sweet, romantic and tearjerking film that will keep you wondering just what it was about Gideon that made him so special. Definitely check this out.

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!

"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 ****

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.

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