Gideon

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 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

A friend of mine recently gave me the video of Gideon and I must say I was very surprised. No, there is no action, no car chases, no special effects. What it does have are wonderful performances and an interesting story. There are so few movies these days that make us think and take stock of our lives. It's nice to find a small film with a simple story, that is well acted. Gideon will never be a classic because it lacks the fundamental basic requirements to achieve that -- but for those of us who still enjoy a good story that challenges you to think and feel, then this movie is a beautiful little gem. 10/10

What do you get when you put a cast of legendary actors together with one of the most talented actors who's movies are generally hard to find in the United States? Christopher Lambert portrays Gideon Dobbs, a simple man, who touches others out of genuine love for them - maybe without even knowing he's doing it - or maybe because of that genuine love he has for them. He puts their needs before his own and brings them back to the life they thought was long lost.

His small acts of kindness may seem trivial, but the impact of those acts change people's lives forever, and bring joy where joy was no more.

Charlton Heston, Carroll O'Connor, Shelley Winters, Shirley Jones - all of the cast in this movie bring the humor and emotion that we so crave and miss in today's movie productions. Brad Mirman's writing is excellent and his scripts should be watched closely in the future. Claudia Hoover's direction is high quality.

Don't miss this movie. The world desperately needs more of the same.

"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 ****