Gideon

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!

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 ****

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.

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