Martian Child (2007)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Menno Meyjes

Writers (WGA):

Seth Bass (screenplay) &
Jonathan Tolins (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

2 November 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Family

Tagline:

The story of a man becoming a father...and a boy becoming a son.

Plot:

A science-fiction writer, recently widowed, considers whether to adopt a hyper-imaginative 6-year-old abandoned and socially rejected boy who says he's really from Mars.

Plot Keywords:

Mars | Friend | Best Friend | Writer | Sunlight

Awards:

2 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Sun. July 12	6:00 AM	HBO
Wed. July 15	8:30 AM	HBO

Cast

John Cusack	...	David Gordon
Bobby Coleman	...	Dennis / The Martian Child
Amanda Peet	...	Harlee
Sophie Okonedo	...	Sophie
Joan Cusack	...	Liz
Oliver Platt	...	Jeff
Bud	...	Somewhere / Flomar
Richard Schiff	...	Mr. Lefkowitz
Taya Calicetto	...	Esther
David Kaye	...	Andy
Braxton Bonneville	...	Nicholas
Samuel Charles	...	Jonas
Zak Ludwig	...	Young David
Samuel Patrick Chu	...	Boy at Group Home
Ryan Morrissette	...	Boy at Group Home

MPAA:

Rated PG ror thematic elements and mild language (theatrical); for thematic elements. (video)

Runtime:

106 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Germany:6 | Canada:G (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Quebec) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | USA:PG (certificate #42287) | South Africa:PG | South Korea:All | USA:PG | Malaysia:U | Finland:K-7 | Singapore:PG | Argentina:Atp | Taiwan:GP | Australia:M | Australia:PG (DVD rating) | New Zealand:PG | Netherlands:6

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company:

New Line Cinema

Trivia:

The name of Joan Cusack's character (Liz) is the same one as of her character in High Fidelity (2000), which also features her brother John Cusack in the lead role.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: While David and Dennis are in the car during the daytime, you see the rigging for the camera equipment visible when they pass a reflective building.

Quotes:

David: Just as a point of interest, what made you think I'd be a good match for a boy who spends most of his time in a box?
Sophie: He thinks he's from another planet.

Movie Connections:

References The Sound of Music (1965)

Soundtrack:

Mr. Blue Sky

My Favorite Martian

Martian Child will be one of those quiet movies that many people won't see. Those who don't see it will miss it. I can understand why it's sitting quiet: not much promotion, and who would it appeal to? There is no CGI, no car chases, no undue violence, only a brief kiss, and the movie isn't partof a trilogy. People who want plot that is not clichéd, and meaningful dialogue will search the movie out. It's aimed at the heart, and touches the emotions. It makes a person realize how important it is to have people in your life who will never, ever, ever, ever give up on you. Even when it looks like you are from Mars. John Cusack is not an actor I am drawn to, yet this movie changed my mind. He has depth, wit, and range I hadn't noticed before. Even if the movie doesn't get wild acclaim, it has a quiet understatement that I hope gets noticed. We all need to belong, and have at least one person believe in us.