Martian Child

It's pretty cute, and a little sad, but besides the kid thinking that he's from Mars, it's pretty generic stuff. Cusack is his usual likeable self, and the little boy (who looks like a long lost Culkin kid) does a very good job, but in the end it doesn't really add up to anything.

I'm not really sure what it would have taken to make this a good film. Probably, the poor plot and dialog would get top ranking. Cusack does his best, but it just doesn't work.

Sweet, but a horrible screenplay that forgot a key element because it had to reach auds. Stupid.

Predictable and uses the cute kid-trick too much but it's one of those feel good movies that you can't really hate.

Solid cast. John Cusack, his sister Joan, and Oliver Platt are nothing if not reliable. Amanda Peet is pretty solid, too. She's a bit more of a gamble but scores here. Bobby Coleman didn't quite do it for me in the title role though. It's an interesting, albeit rather predictable story. Enjoyable, just not something I would suggest throwing to the top of your Netflix queue.

Martian Child is watchable, but doesn't ever rise above that bar. The film is incredibly generic. None of the actors are used to their full potential, acting out a contrived screenplay that delivers introductions, progress and an obstacle in its rigid 3-act structure. Both narratively and cinematically, the film feels more like a 90's family drama than a mid-00's comedy. It's not bad, but it lacks any real sense of drama (nor is the writing that sharp).

Not terrible, but a lot of loose ends. He never used his Martian wish, though they made a huge deal of it.

Entertainment: 4 -- funny and well produced. Spirit: 1.5. Sustainability/Social: 1.

Oh my god I forgot I saw this, in the cinemas as a matter of fact (my word on this should summarize what I thought of the whole movie)

The kid was really unbearable.

looks like Mars needs aunts

eng; [martian child]; ein schriftsteller adoptiert, nach dem tod seiner partnerin, einen jungen der sich für einen marsmenschen hält.;

*Sigh*... John Cusack, who I find to be an appealing and capable actor, makes SO many stupid, terrible movies. In this one, he at least gets to, you know act, but... It's too sweet/cutesy to be seen without nausea.

The Man Who Folded Himself would've been a better film

John Cusack gives a good performance in this movie. This is a different movie for Cusack. I think Amanda Peet was underused in this movie. This is not a perfect movie but I would recommend it.

"The primary obstacle to enjoying any moment of Martian Child is Dennis, a little creature whose habits never feel like anything other than groan-worthy screenwriter contrivances aimed at cheaply eliciting audience waterworks." - Nick Schager

Good cast, but the story just isn't there. I wish I'd read a book instead.

This was surprisingly good. I like Cusack

I like the way John Cusack's character is very open-minded about his adopted kid's strange nature. Maybe the kid is from Mars, etc etc.

good movie

It is a sensitive and original story as few, and it deserves a place of prominence.

I was totally blown away by this movie! I think it deserves so much praise! It's absolutely beautiful! Touching and sweet, but also so, so funny & enjoyable! Cusack's character makes a wonderful parent. He listens to his son, talks to him as an equal, and honestly tries to do what is best for him. This film manages to show how brilliant, brave, and wonderful both parents and children can be, even if they aren't "perfect." But then again, what's perfect?

Sweet, touching, you know. Not as good as you're hoping. Will do inna pinch.

That kid is so wacky!