Customer Reviews

The Mighty [VHS]

5 star:		(114)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

My class of fifteen "learning disabled" students read the book "Freak the Mighty". These are at risk students who for the most part, could care less about reading anything. They absolutely loved the book! Every day at bell time I would hear, "No, we can't stop here!" Some even wanted to take the book home and read ahead! While watching the film, I noticed some 6th grade boys with tears in their eyes and the girls were simply dissolved in tears. This is a wonderful movie for people of all ages but particularly for those kids who sometimes feel like they walk in Max and Freak's footsteps every day. We also read the sequel, "Max the Mighty" and found it equally as absorbing. We are hoping there is a movie sequel! Thank you Rodman Philbrick for writing such a beautiful,memorable story! Kudos to the cast of "The Mighty" for their performances. I intend to buy a copy for myself and several for gifts.

How in the HELL did this movie get lost in theatres? Why didn't every critic in America tell the world to see it?

I remember when I first heard that this book, FREAK THE MIGHTY (by Rodman Philbrick), was going to be made into a movie and that Gillian Anderson was going to play a small role. Well, I went ahead and read the book because (a) I'm an X-Files fan, and (b) I wanted to know what so drew her to the project that she was willing to play a less than a major role.

The book just tore me apart-- it wasn't just that I'd been a misfit myself in my youth, but the fact that it dealt with sometimes amazing, sometimes painful situations in such a clear-eyed way, never pandering to or underestimating the intelligence of the reader.

This film, while not adhering to the book to the letter (but damned close) kept the SPIRIT of the book intact, and for that I credit not only the director and screenwriter but the cast. Everyone involved seems to be most concerned with truth-- not is it dramatic, is it sad, is it funny, but is it HONEST?

While I credit all involved parties with making this film work so well, I have to say that NONE of it would have worked had it not been for the two leads, Elden Hensen and Kieran Culkin. These two ASTOUNDING young men are so utterly concerned with their characters as human beings that there is not a single false note in either performance. Going in, Culkin has an additional challenge/handicap-- the wiseacre type honed by his brother Macauley might well have been expected here, given the no-apologies intelligence that characterizes Kevin/Freak. But Culkin has no interest in just getting laughs-- he seems entirely aware that there are more important treasures to be had from this material.

That's not to say that there aren't moments that make you smile or yes, laugh, but they happen through the comedy of CHARACTER, not situation. There are no cheap emotions on the screen, nor do they try to elicit them from the viewer. When you laugh and cry at this movie, it is because you feel a PART of the proceedings, not that this is something put in front of you merely to entertain. It is obvious why such stellar actors (Anderson, Sharon Stone, Harry Dean Stanton, Gena Rowlands, James Gandolfini) were drawn to this project-- there is more than enough well-drawn, intelligent material to go around, even to the smallest of roles. I also felt that the film improved on the novel by giving it a bit more an ending; the book just kind of STOPPED, and I was glad to see a bit more resolution. These characters deserved it.

I give the film 4 stars rather than 5 because of (a) the all-too-real violence and threatened violence seems jarring at times (as it did in the book as well) and (b) the lack of extras on this edition (a truncated behind the scenes featurette and NO commentary tracks, which is positively CRIMINAL given the talent involved).

So even though neither the film nor the presentation (although the music video by Sting is kind of fun) is perfect, do NOT let that dissuade you from seeing this film. You will not see its like again soon.

I had seen the theatrical trailer for this film when the working title was "Freak the Mighty." I suppose someone thought the term 'freak" to be deragatory; however, after seeing this sleeper, I'd be proud if someone thought I had those rare and wonderful characteristics Kieran Culkin's character, "Freak," displayed in this film. I don't ever remember this movie coming to Honolulu (so much for the "Coming soon to a theater near you" slogan!), but I was thrilled when it was released on DVD. I rented, and sat at home alone watching it one evening after work. I rented it again three days later when my girlfriend was over so she could see it, and loved it even more the next time. I've ordered the DVD from Amazon (it should be here tomorrow!), and plan on sharing it with as many of my friends as possible. This is as touching and heartwarming a film as I've seen in years. It is destined to become a classic -- it has lessons that all our children should learn, hopefully before they're too old to be shaped by the story. With little violence, almost no foul language, a marvelous soundtrack (featuring the title song by Sting) and an outstanding ensemble cast, you cannot go wrong with this film. It is destined to become on of my all-time favorites.

I watched this with my seven year old son. He asked questions about the way people were treating each other through out the movie.

Now, instead of staring at people with disabilities he says "Hi" and wants to know as much about them as any other human being. "Mighty" did a wonderful job showing him everyone has something to contribute to life and they having feelings and thoughts the same as he does and families, good or bad the same as he does.

He wants to know as much as possible about King Arthur too! Excellent, well written flick.

Ironically, it is not a movie that I would normally enjoy.It is not a love story, has no adventure, and is not comedic in the least bit. However, it is the exception to any and all movies I have seen. It is a touching story about two boys, both outcasts, who learn to conquer the world together. They learn to live life in their world, and be strong. They are two unlikely friends; one is crippled, the other looks like a bully. They form an unbreakable bond. The ending is sad but very well done. The film has an outstanding cast, including Sharon Stone, Gena Renalds,Kieran Culkin, Elden Henson and James Gandolfini. Itis usually difficult to find good child actors, but Kieran Culkin, and Elden Henson are incredible, and hold the movie on their shoulders. Gillian Anderson, I love from The X Files, yet her portrayel as Loretta is so convincing, she is nearly unrecognizable. It definetly shows her wide range of acting capabilities. She was certainly not type cast. This film is one of my favorites, and it is my conviction that it very well could be yours as well. It is a little known movie, I don't know anyone whose seen it other than myself, and that's what annoys me, because it is SO GOOD.

I watched this movie with a group of friends because we had just fininshed the booked it is based on, "Freak the Mighty". I have to say this is one of the few "Drama" movies I can watch over and over again. The ending had almost all my friends in tears. This is such a good family movie. It really makes you think about what you have and others do not. It also makes you realise even if you get called a "freak" or you have a disabillity, physical or mentally, it doesnt mean you cant get out in the world and have fun. Both Max and Kevin had problems but that didnt stop them from going out on their quests and having fun. This movie will move you.

Oh wow. I fell in love with this movie from the moment the music started to play. The music is Celtic, and it's really outstanding. But it's Eldan Henson and Kieran Culkin who really steal the show.

The film starts off with Max Kane (Henson). Max is in 7th grade, but he is at least two feet taller than everyone else in his grade. He is always being teased by bullies for his size, his illiteracy, and his infamous father.

Then a kid named Kevin Dillan (Culkin) moves into the neighborhood. Kevin is also in 7th grade, but he is very small and has a birth defect that forces him to walk on crutches. He is also extremely smart. Bullies tease him, too.

Soon, Kevin and Max became inseparable friends. Max became Kevin's legs, and Kevin became Max's brain. By themselves, Max and Kevin were just freaks of nature who were always teased. But when they are together, they are called "Freak the Mighty"! And then what happens is.....what, did you really think I'd tell you what happens next?

The script in this movie is absolutely adorable. Here are some of the quotes:

--"So you're a pacifist.....yeah, a pacifist. You know, 'pass on the fist'?"

--"I said, you're a cretin!.....yeah, a cretin! C-R-E-T-I-N! Look it up in the dictionary and you'll find your mugshot!"

--"My father was a magician. He heard the words, 'birth defect', and disappeared."

--"Don't think of it as a friendship. Think of it as a partnership. You need a brain and I need legs. And the Wizard of Oz doesn't live in South Cincinnati."

--"Every word is part of a picture. Every sentence IS a picture. All you do is let your imagination connect them together.....if you HAVE an imagination, that is."

Plus many more. The above quotes were all said by Kevin Dillan. But my favorite quote is the last line of the movie. You won't forget it for a while.

The script is hilarious. The music is catchy. The acting is all top-notch. And the ending is so tragic.....it all adds up to a truly unforgettable film. If you have a psyche, you will love this film. Watch it ASAP.

P.S. Yes, I am only 14 years old, but parents shouldn't be too concerned about the PG-13 rating. There's no sex, no nudity, no drug content, no profanity, and almost no on-screen violence. Little kids may be frightened at times, but this movie is overall no more inappropriate than the PG-rated "Simon Birch". If your kids have seen "Simon Birch", then they can--and MUST--see "The Mighty"!

P.P.S. Does anyone know that Eldan Henson was actually 20 years old at the time he starred in this movie?

okay, in class we are reading the book freak the mighty, we have not seen the movie yet but i would like to point out one user who posted this review...

Don't waste your time !!!!, October 15, 2001
Reviewer: A viewer
This movie is horrible. The emphasis here is on horrible. You'll catch yourself rolling your eyes as the ... imagines he is in Camelot. Can someone please tell this kid to get a life? Real children do not act this way. This movie lacks drama and creativity in place of blunt realism. Its not a movie that picks you up and makes you dream. Rather this movie makes you think the world ... You'll question why someone would make such a film. Pretty much all of the characters are seedy and trashy. Watch this movie if you would like to know what takes place in the lives of trashy people. For inspriration and beauty into the better things of life look at my favorite movies Shakespeare in Love and Gone With the Wind. And if you really want some blunt realism at least watch a quality film like Good Will Hunting. Moral of the story, DONT WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!. Thanks.


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okay first of all, saying that real children dont act like that makes me want to omg i cant even explain the person said that real children dont act like that and that the kid needs to get a life! o my gosh! he is a kid! leave him alone!! i know it is just a book and that is wat this person needs to understand because he says that the book is full of trashy people or watever and the trashy people are just making the book more interesting and making it have more detail. and he says, "For inspriration and beauty into the better things of life look at my favorite movies Shakespeare in Love and Gone With the Wind. And if you really want some blunt realism at least watch a quality film like Good Will Hunting." well, no wonder he didnt like the movie, in my opinon, this person has bad taste. i saw good will hunting in school or at someones house i dont remember but i saw it...anyways i was bored out of my mind. but on topic once again...do not listen to people like this who have no heart cuz omg THE BOY IS A KID!! ((sorry about this i get mad when people are like this))
Moral of the story READ THE BOOK, WATCH THE MOVIE!
thank you
-A KID

I enjoyed this film from start to finish, and was bowled over by the performances of the young actors. Based on a children's book, 'Freak the Mighty', the film manages to portray the challenges and friendship of two special young people without being patronizing.

Max, played brilliantly by Eldon Henson, is a slow boy, big for his age, whose mother was killed by his father, who is now serving a prison sentence. Max is being raised by his grandparents, the appropriately weary Gena Rowlands and Harry Dean Stanton. Max has failed 7th grade twice, and is the butt of teasing and jokes. His life is changed when Kevin, played by Kieran Culkin (Macauley's more-talented younger brother) moves next door with his single mother, well played by Sharon Stone. Kevin is physically disabled, with a degenerative bone disorder. He has compensated for his disability by being a genius. He is also stronger than Max, the only thing he lacks is Max's physical strength. The two work together, with Max being Kevin's legs, and Kevin being Max's brain.

The world can be an empty place for people who are "different", and Max learns and grows from his friendship with Kevin. The movie never resorts to cheap sentimentality, and this was one of the first films to make me cry in a long time. I don't agree with the criticism that Sharon Stone is too attractive to be Kevin's poor mom. All kinds of people have children with disabilities. There was no need to make Sharon Stone less beautiful, since this film is about the boys, and she is the mom, a supporting role, and her good looks are not really an issue.

I was disappointed in Gillian Anderson's performance as a white trash biker chick. She seems to be borrowing from the Sandy Dennis school of facial twitches, and feels a need to resort to a southern accent to emphasize that her character is from the wrong side of the tracks. Other than that, the movie is excellent, particularly the performance of Eldin Henson, who has a great future ahead of him.

It's a movie about teenager friendship. Sad ending with an awkward attempt to send an uplifting message. Decent acting, GREAT music!

Yes, it's a feel-good movie.
Yes, it has a predicatable plot.
Yes, it's unapologetically sentimental.
Yes, the knights on horseback scenes are extremely annoying.

And yes, I was deeply moved by the movie. I just couldn't help it. (This is from a 30+ old guy who sit through Titanic and couldn't stop wondering what all the fuss was about.)