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Editorial Reviews
Evil resides in an unexpected place in this gripping, suspense-filled drama. Macaulay Culkin stars as Henry, an angelic-looking boy who seems loving and loyal to his parents, sister and friends. Only his cousin Mark (Elijah Wood) sees what lurks behind Henry's smile- secret thoughts and a love of deadly games. But when Mark tries to warn Henry's family, they won't believe him, leaving the terrified youngster alone to battle his jealous, menacing cousin.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Being an actor requires that you be the possessor of a whole list of extraordinary traits such as being at least fairly talented, having an appealing personality, being just original enough to be interesting and looking halfway decent in stylish clothes, among others. Being a child actor is wholly different, mostly because the large majority of child actors defy the number one rule in that they are sadly lacking in any form of true talent.
For example, you have Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who were (and still are) unbearable to watch on screen. There is also every child who ever set foot on the set a Disney channel show and most of the children with small roles on adult sitcoms. These kids are cute but they just can't act.
So when an agent comes across a really good child actor, its no surprise that suddenly that poor kid is slapped with a starring role in every movie made while they're still young enough to look normal in overalls, hence, the story of McCauley Culkin and Elijah Wood's lives.
One of the most interesting things about Joseph Ruben's 1993 film `The Good Son', is that its about criminal insanity and is rated `R' yet the two main characters are barely ten years old. To Ruben the concept must have stood out as wonderfully original, but making the movie was a risky decision because finding two kids talented enough to play the apparently "evil", Henry and his earnest cousin, Mark could not have been easy.
But, miraculously, the casting agents did it and well-known child actors Culkin and Wood were respectively cast.
When Mark's mother dies a premature death, he is sent to live with his aunt, uncle and cousins for two weeks while his father closes a business deal in Tokyo. Mark and his cousin Henry are around the same age and immediately get along after being reintroduced. However, things are not as peaceful as they seem in Henry's house. Less than a year ago, the family's youngest child, Richard, drowned in the bathtub and Mark's aunt Susan is still deeply distraught over the "accident", which she considers her fault. At first Mark considers this story sad but unpreventable; however, as he gets to know his cousin better, his true personality puts the account in a whole new light.
This movie is truly child acting at its best. Culkin's performance suggests that he understands his malicious but brilliant character better than most adult actors understand far simpler roles. Wood, who has always had the ability to completely become any character he plays, is equally stunning, playing a desperate, victimized little boy with outstanding capability. It's hard to judge which young man is the better actor, or even which part was harder to play, their raw talent should make any actor go green with envy. They also have exceptional screen chemistry, which makes not only their characters, but also their characters' relationship intensely believable, the scenes that they are in together are by far the best.
David Morse, Wendy Crewson and Quinn Culkin (MaCauley's sister) are also members of the cast, which is particularly small. However, their performances look amateur next to (the older) Culkin and Wood, and in comparison to her brother's Quinn's performance outlines the difference between a good child actor and a bad one.
For example, you have Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who were (and still are) unbearable to watch on screen. There is also every child who ever set foot on the set a Disney channel show and most of the children with small roles on adult sitcoms. These kids are cute but they just can't act.
So when an agent comes across a really good child actor, its no surprise that suddenly that poor kid is slapped with a starring role in every movie made while they're still young enough to look normal in overalls, hence, the story of McCauley Culkin and Elijah Wood's lives.
One of the most interesting things about Joseph Ruben's 1993 film `The Good Son', is that its about criminal insanity and is rated `R' yet the two main characters are barely ten years old. To Ruben the concept must have stood out as wonderfully original, but making the movie was a risky decision because finding two kids talented enough to play the apparently "evil", Henry and his earnest cousin, Mark could not have been easy.
But, miraculously, the casting agents did it and well-known child actors Culkin and Wood were respectively cast.
When Mark's mother dies a premature death, he is sent to live with his aunt, uncle and cousins for two weeks while his father closes a business deal in Tokyo. Mark and his cousin Henry are around the same age and immediately get along after being reintroduced. However, things are not as peaceful as they seem in Henry's house. Less than a year ago, the family's youngest child, Richard, drowned in the bathtub and Mark's aunt Susan is still deeply distraught over the "accident", which she considers her fault. At first Mark considers this story sad but unpreventable; however, as he gets to know his cousin better, his true personality puts the account in a whole new light.
This movie is truly child acting at its best. Culkin's performance suggests that he understands his malicious but brilliant character better than most adult actors understand far simpler roles. Wood, who has always had the ability to completely become any character he plays, is equally stunning, playing a desperate, victimized little boy with outstanding capability. It's hard to judge which young man is the better actor, or even which part was harder to play, their raw talent should make any actor go green with envy. They also have exceptional screen chemistry, which makes not only their characters, but also their characters' relationship intensely believable, the scenes that they are in together are by far the best.
David Morse, Wendy Crewson and Quinn Culkin (MaCauley's sister) are also members of the cast, which is particularly small. However, their performances look amateur next to (the older) Culkin and Wood, and in comparison to her brother's Quinn's performance outlines the difference between a good child actor and a bad one.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
The first time I came across this was in a junior novelization by Todd Strasser, and I must admit its better than the movie. But the movie is a delight. Macaulay Culkin is Henry, the young child who has everyone fooled into thinking he is a great kid. But he is really a youngster who loves to watch death. Elijah Wood(the kid in this movie who knows how to act) comes off much better as Mark, Henry's cousin and the only kid who knows Henry's true personality. The music is wonderful. Elmer Bernstein is a genius. And what can I say, even my mom liked the photography! I first saw the "TELEVISED" version on TV, following the real movie. Not a thing was changed! The reason for its R rating is Theme. Period. The violence is off screen, and besides Henry's one use of the "F-word" and some other expletives, there is nothing really here. WITH A PARENT, watch this movie kids, and adults, even though it stars young children, you'll like it too!
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I saw this movie in the theater when it came out, and never thought it got the recognition it really deserved. The story has admittedly been done several times before, but the thing that stands out about this version is the performance of a very young Elijah Wood. Of course at the time, Culkin was the "star" of this film due to the popularity of the "Home Alone" films. I have never thought that Culkin was that great of an actor, although he does come across as a very convincing troubled kid in this role. The standout, though, in this movie is Elijah Wood. This kid was a winner early on in his career and the proof is in this role. His eyes convey such fear and concern that you really feel his performance is for real. The atmosphere that the director created was also a big plus for this movie. The lighting and sound is excellent on the DVD transfer, and the widescreen presentation is very welcome. Also included are the trailer and a behind the scenes look at the making of the movie, which aren't even listed on the box! Surprise!
Catch this one if you can!
Catch this one if you can!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
this movie is ok
this movie is overall ok...I haven't seen this movie, since i was 5yrs old...and wasn't as good as I remember. But the acting of the kids are really good. Read more
Published 7 days ago by nat
Another Goodie
Oh I would have let this little monster drop too. Did he not get enough hugs? Seems like he had a great life, but he was just a seriously disturbed little guy. Read more
Published 9 days ago by Monaluvyou
Good movie
This is a good movie to watch. How scare it must feel to have a child like that. Wanting to kill every thing and anyone. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Sugga40827
The Good Son
Mark Evans (Elijah Wood) goes to stay with his aunt and uncle after his mother dies. While there, he comes face to face with a blond-haired devil who calls himself his... Read more
Published 4 months ago by BooksandMoviesLover
Great movie
This is a very good movie. Macaulay Culkin & Elijah Wood make the movie a thriller that makes you come back for more. (For 15+ & over)
Published 10 months ago by Jeff.j.t
Good son, bad son, another Bad Seed.
A change from the HOME ALONE movies. Culkin isn't a good guy in this film. As the title tells, THE GOOD SON, isn't really good at all. It is like THE BAD SEED and fun to watch.
Published 12 months ago by William Dakota
The boy is evil
This is a noteworthy movie. I found it ironic when the psychiatrist said that she did not believe in evil. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Serket
Great evil kid movie!
The DVD came right on time, and in perfect condition. Aside from that, I love this movie! I am a big fan of the "evil kid" genre, and this is my sec fav in that category. Read more
Published 15 months ago by John Hancock
Heart-Warming & Intense Thriller. Well-Written & Well-Acted Drama
WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!
This intense & heart-warming suspense thriller stars Macaulay Culkin ("Uncle Buck," "Home Alone," "My Girl," "Home Alone 2: Lost In New... Read more
This intense & heart-warming suspense thriller stars Macaulay Culkin ("Uncle Buck," "Home Alone," "My Girl," "Home Alone 2: Lost In New... Read more
Published 21 months ago by HAMLET
Good movie
Hadn't seen this in a long time. Chilling role for Macaulay Culkin. Never see Home Alone in the same light again!
Published 22 months ago by S. Corrow
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