Rated PG13
Starring: Tobey Maguire,
Charlize Theron,
Michael Caine, Delroy LIndo,
and Paul Rudd.
Written by John Irving.
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom.
Produced by Richard N. Gladstein.
Rating: 89%


Epic! Beautifully written and directed, Cider House Rules is uplifting! From the film's beautiful cinematography, to it's great screenplay, it's definately refreshing, and memorable. John Irving "like, totally," deserves the Golden Globe!

The film unravels as the audience is staring at a solitary man standing at a train station. With an effective still frame, the train slowly comes, stops, and goes. When it's gone, the man is left greeting a young couple. Giving us eyes of an eagle, the camera then pans up and across a snow covered terrain, stopping at a quaint, beaten, old house. Here, is where our hero is born.

Cider House Rules follows the life of Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire), and traces his struggles with issues of morality and individuality. From the day he was born, he was taught and mentored by the orphanage doctor. He learned how to deliver babies, he learned how to take care of younger children, he learned about every important medical procedure he could. However, one thing he had never seen, was the world. He never knew what life was like outside the orphanage walls. One fateful day, he finally decides to go out into the world, leaving the only place he ever called home. He even meets a girl, and falls in love. But soon, he realizes where his heart truly lies...

Tobey Maguire delivers a surprisingly good preformance! However, what gave this film heart, was the support. Michael Caine did a breathtaking job in portraying Dr. Larch. His pain and happiness, all at the same time seemed to cover the screen in an array of talent. Another brilliant preformance was that of Charlize Theron (Candy). Her strong will, and apparent vulnerability was like a lighthouse standing tall in the rasping wind. It was simply a film full of bursting talent!

Another talent who deserves tremendous respect, is the directer himself, Lasse Hallstrom. His emphasis on detail, and his ability to create such vivid characters shines through. Furthermore, the music, written by Rachel Portman, made it all the more charming!

One criticism, however, was how the mood was somewhat unclear. It was apparently "magical" at one time, comical in another scene, and just wierd in another. Certain scenes were just a little "wishy washy." For instance, take the scene where Homer says "I've never had this feeling before. But when I'm with you, my heart just..." Well, the fact that their naked and are probably going to... do something bad... kind of dissapates all the sentimentality there for me. Personally, I don't understand why they had to take it so far with Homer and Candy. That just seemed wrong. Couldn't they have just built up to a kiss? In the end, I suppose, the relationship was somewhat decent, and had a certain quality to it, but in the middle, man.. it just seemed WRONG.

Nonetheless, with every film, there are flaws, but when looking on the whole, thats what's important. On the whole, Cider House Rules deserves definate praise. Definately a worthwhile venture.

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