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.

This has to be Christopher Lambert's best performance since Highlander. Lambert really shows the audience what he can do and when he puts all his effort into it, Lambert can be a really good actor.

Lambert plays Gideon, a mentally retarded man who can't read, write or even do simple maths. He is sent to an old people's home to brighten up the live's of those who live there. As time goes by Gideon makes new friends and learns to love one another.

I'm a massive fan of Lambert's. I was really shocked by his performance. He was superb as Gideon. We are all used to see Lambert star in action movies, put even in this moving drama movie he's excellent. This movie is a very touching story and it'll have you in tears in the end.

8/10

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 pleasant watchable drama about a mentally retarded adult who is sent by his aunt to an asylum. Gideon Dobbs is played superbly by Cristopher Lambert - yes, you heard me well, the guy from Highlander, Mortal Kombat or Beowulf.

So you can imagine my surprise seing him in this difficult role. The story is not at all spectacular or original. It's even forced in some moments and the intentions of the director are clear from the beginning. The good point of this normal simple movie are the characters: very well built and very well played. Well maybe except for the crook (well, so-called crook) in the bar. He seems just like an element needed to accentuate Gideon's "abilities". Well it's an enjoyable drama, but too simple to worth more than a 6 out of 10.

This film is a delightful mix of fun moments, poignant moments, and sad moments, all tied together beautifully by possibly the greatest cast assembled for one film in the last decade. "Gideon" highlights some of America's most loved actors along with an absolutely inspired performance by Christopher Lambert. Add to this a strong performance by Mykelti Williamson and you have one very enjoyable film that can be enjoyed by persons of all tastes and ages. The only disappointing thing about this movie is that it didn't get released to theatres here in the U.S. and is not even for sale here! Not understanding the reasons for this, it makes this viewer very upset. Keeping a jewel such as this from the American movie-going public is a crime! Here is a movie that the "family-movie" distributors should have snapped up--and they need to wake up and do so. Kudos to Lambert and writer Brad Mirman for making us care, really care, about these characters.