الأقوياء

THE MIGHTY, in my opinion, is a very touching movie about the quest for friendship. I thought that Kevin (Kieran Culkin) was a very smart boy. When Max (Elden Henson) and Kevin were being pursued by the Doghouse Boys (Joe Perrino, Dov Tiefenbach, Michael Colton, Daniel Lee) I got really scared. This was because Blade (Joe Perrino), the leader, had a very sharp knife! The other thing that really scared me was Mr. Kane (James Gandolfini). This was because he kidnapped and tried to murder Max. Other than that, this was a really great movie. In conclusion, I highly recommend this touching movie to those of you who like movies about friendship.

Talent must run in the Culkin family because Kieran shines in "The Mighty." As I sat through "The Mighty," I kept thought to myself how it resembled another inspirational film; "Simon Birch." This was a clear indication that I would enjoy "The Mighty." Elden Henson who played Max Kane was a good choice to play the friend of Culkin's character, Kevin Dillon. I say this because it is based upon how much each have in common including the fact that they seemed to click well together. I can't forget to mention the superb supporting cast that included Sharon Stone, Gena Rowlands and Harry Dean Stanton. Stone pulled off a performance that could have been done in her sleep. Rowlands and Stanton provided support at just the right times to make this film worthwhile. "The Mighty" immediately brought a smile to my face because it told the story of two people who were isolated until one day they were brought together, which made a perfect fit.

This has become one of my very favorite movies, though I guess it's a bit masochistic to want to sit and cry for 100 minutes every six months or so. Of course, if you're watching it for the first time, you won't have to start crying right away, but on subsequent viewings I advise getting the Kleenex box before you press "Play." The performances of Kieran Culkin and Elden Henson are just superb, even allowing for their both being considerably older than their characters. It's so good to see an honest portrayal of the depth and sensitivity that young people are capable of in their autonomous relationships. As I have elsewhere, let me register my protest that the two actors who occupy at least 95% of this film's footage and its dialogue are billed I believe fourth and sixth in the credits. This discrimination by age would not be tolerated, either legally or by the guilds, if it similarly regarded for instance race or gender.

Perhaps I'm a wuss for admitting it, but I blubbed at the end of this movie, even though I should have known what to expect. I guess I'm just a sentimental kind of guy, but this movie does have the power to move - unless you have a heart of stone, or are so taken up with 21st century 'cool' that you don't feel anything anymore! This is a beautifully acted, unsentimental piece that is principally about friendship. But it also deals with finding hope where none exists; a desire to reach out for the stars that is fuelled by hopelessness and loneliness. Perhaps billed as a children's film, this is one for any adult seeking inspiration. But beware: have the Kleenex close at hand!

Normally, I don't compare movies. It's like trying to compare apples and oranges. Both are food, yet are different and must be judged accordingly. However, in this case I will make an exception. I will compare this movie with the movie "300", which I also critiqued. This movie has a story; "300" is a special effects cartoon; this movie contains character development; "300" has violence; this movie has excellent acting; "300" has acting out; this movie dramatizes the power of friendship; "300" dramatizes duplicity; this movie is special; "300" is mere noise; this movie is about people who transcend their disabilities; "300" purports that the disabled are to be discarded (there is no way that I will ever believe that the Spartans deliberately killed or exiled their disabled); this movie portrays ordinary people who are heroic; "300" portrays soldiers as being little more than disobedient ruffians dressed in robes. This movie rates a 10; "300" rates a 4, and I'm being charitable.