Now I know you expect a certain... 'thing' from Hallenbeck, but well, this film touched the human being in Hallenbeck and he's speaking here... And I must second Joe's nomination for THE MIGHTY being moved into late November/December. Know I'd like to believe that no matter when this film would be released the Academy would recognize it, but often time they can't remember anything. I'm sure MIRAMAX thinks they have something later in the season that they are thinking in terms of pitching to the Academy. Well, this is better than whatever that is. If not... wow. But I don't think so. Anyway, listen up to Hallenbeck here....
Do you believe in magic? I know I do. Once in a while a movie comes along that is so good it becomes difficult for a person to articulate why, infact, they liked it so much. Everything in the production comes together masterfully -- the writing, directing, acting, music, settings, etc...Everything is just pure perfection according to the boundries of the film(ie They gave it 110% and it shows). However, there is something else about the movie that is indescribable...something in which you can't explain as to why you enjoyed the film so much. It's this certain "Something" that I refer to as "magic." The great (and occasionally, the very good) films all have this one bond in common. The last movie to possess this "Magic" quality was Forrest Gump(A Hearty Hallenbeck Fuck You to all you pompous schmucks out there who hate this film because it's sentimental mush. You're the same people who hate It's a Wonderful Life for that very same reason. If you had one iota of intelligence you'd realize that both movies are very satirical and highly depressing. However, they both chose to cover that dark side up with Sentimentality and Gobbly-gook so it can apppeal to the masses. If you look under the icing you'll see what the movies are really about). I'm proud to announce we have one movie this year that accomplishes this rare feat. Now, before I go on priasing the hell out of this Year's Best Film (Keep in mind I still haven't seen POE, Pleasantville, Life is Beautiful, or A Thin Red Line) let me just say that this film, while "magical," is no Gump. It's a lesser kind of magic(one of those "very good" films I referred to above).
I saw this film in May at Cannes. I've waited this long to review it because, simply put, I wanted to see if it has stayed with me (that's the sign of a good film...the time limit test. Most films you forget the minute they are over. Others, an hour, a day, a week later, maybe. The good ones last months and the great ones last for years!). It's been nearly 5 months since this movie entered my life. Does it still possess that magic quality? You bet your sweet bippy it does! By now, you must be wondering what Goddamn movie am I referring to? I'll give you a hint: My name is in the Title and no...it's not the one starring Kong Jr.(although, that's a movie I've also seen and have yet to review).
THE MIGHTY (aka FREAK THE MIGHTY) is this "magical" film in which I'm writing about. Forget what you have seen in that lame ass HOLLYWOOD ON-LINE MOVIE THEATER PROMO. I cringe whenever that comes up on screen. I'll admit, I'm a sucker for "Coming of Age" movies. I idolize STAND BY ME. I really dug the underrated RADIO FLYER. Hell, I actually enjoyed NOW AND THEN. Oh, and let us not forget about the granddaddy of them all,the immortal Masterpiece, TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD. These movies get me everytime. I love growing up with these kids. You always see yourself and your friends in these characters. You always place yourself in the situations and try to figure out what you would do if you were in them(this also works very well in The Wonder Years and Facts of Life...man, I love Tootie!). Where does The Mighty fall, you ask? Well, it ain't no Mocking Bird, but it's right up there with Stand By Me.
The Plot - Two different kinds of "Freaks" (one is slow and "emotionally disturbed" and the other is Quasimoto's son) become friends. What follows is a friendship and a bond you soon won't forget. We've been here and done that. The basics are very familiar, but the characters are more complex and involving then those found in a Dicken's Tale. You may find this story to be somewhat predictable, but that won't matter because you'll be so caught up(mentally and emotionally) with the proceedings on screen.
The Directing - Peter Chelsom, a director whom I've never heard of, does a masterful job of keeping this film emotionally wrought, but he never allows it to go overboard. Unlike Simon Birch(a movie, as you may know, I enjoyed), this tale of two unpopular kids isn't full of sentimental baggage. It doesn't try to insult the audience by trying to manipulate their emotions. The facts are presented right up front. If you wish to cry(like most will), then, by all means, do so. If you want to restrain those tears for a more manipulative piece of Hollywood Fluff(I won't mention a certain War Movie) then that is your choice. Mr. Chelsom walked a very fine line and managed to keep his balance. That's the sign of a talented director...to manipulate your emotions, but to have enough restraint not to hit you over the head with it.
The Writing - From the opening line I knew I was going to love this movie. I was instantly sucked in. I knew this was a journey I wanted to participate in, and by God, I'll relive this journey 'til the end of my pathetic exsistence. My favorite movies are those that have characters that have trouble differentiating between reality and fantasy. Let's face it, like the title of the movie says, REALITY BITES. We all like to get lost in our own Fantasy Worlds...sometimes we get TOO lost. That's what this film is about...the Real World versus the Fantasy World. These two kids deal with their handicaps by living in a world where Knights roam the streets and participate in good deeds. It's like Fisher King Jr. The thing that separates this film from others that deal with Reality vs Fantasy is that our lead has no concept what his mind is capable of. This "aspect" is what I loved about this movie. It's about self-discovery. It's about discovering your mind and unlocking that incredible thing we humans possess -- IMAGINATION. Right now you're think, this sounds like THE PAGEMASTER. It ain't even in the same Universe, let alone the same ballpark. This movie has Terry Gilliam written all over it. However, it's not nearly as wacky or surreal as that Insane Man's Movies. Before this oaf met Quasi, he was a mindless baboon that led a pitiful, lonely existence. He ate, went to school, and slept. He had no idea what he was capable of...what wonderous things he had hidden away up in his attic. When he finally unlocks this magical thing it is as if he's been reborn...thus, we, the audience, are reborn with him. It's not preachy or self-indulgent. It's a magical moment that will put tears in people's eyes. The movie may seem like it's about two mifits finding each other and becoming friends, but what it's really about is a boy, not becoming a man, but becoming a Human Being.
The screenplay, while based upon a best selling children's book(and I'm not talking Dr. Seuss here) is an absolutely mesmerising adaptaion. I haven't read the book myself, but I can't imagine it being better then the film. This will be one of those rare films that will be superior to the book. It will be a hideous crime if this is not nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay...let alone win.
The acting - Top Notch all around.
Kieran Culkin - finally a Culkin with talent! Kieran's charming, heart breaking performance as a boy with a hunched back and a dibilitating disease makes up for all his brother's dreadful performances' of yesteryear and his Father's dispicable behind the scenes antics. I don't know if it was his performance or the writing, but this dude's wisdom almost puts Yoda's to shame. It will be very interesting to see where this young man's career goes after this incredible performance.
Elden Henson - And Best Actor goes to....that's what I want to hear come end of March, next year. I know this kid won't win, but DAMN IT, AT LEAST NOMINATE HIM!!!! Between Elden's performance in this flick and Billy Bob's in A Simple Plan, I haven't decided who gave the best performance this year. Both were truly incredible in their roles. Both brought these facinating characters to life vividly on screen. And both managed to break your heart. I'm saying Best Actor for Elden and Best Supporting Actor for Billy Bob.
Sharon Stone - she proves once again that she just ain't no sexy blonde actress. Sharon is slowly becoming one of the best actresses working in Hollywood today. She's gone from leg-spreading sex kitten, to strong-willed Hot Mama! She's gauranteed a nom here for her work as Kieran's Mom. It's one of those Meryl Streep kinda roles that has Oscar written all over it. I can think of only two other actresses that so far qualify for a Sup. Actress nom -- Bridgette Fonda in A Simple Plan and (amazingly enough) Lisa Kudrow in The Opposite of Sex (that "It's a Lonely Life" Speech of hers is a classic). Ms. Stone has those two ladies beat by a mile.
Gillian Anderson - you can barely recognize sexy Scully under all that make-up and hairspray. She proves once again that she'll have a career after the "X" no longer marks the spot (Now David's career is another story).
Harry Dean Stanton and Gena Rowlands - Gram and Grim. I love these Grandparents. Hell, I'd love to see these two spun off in their own movie.
As you can tell by now, I really loved this flick. I know I'll be the first in line the day it comes out. Say, that reminds me...WHY, IN STEVEN'S NAME, IS THIS MOVIE COMING OUT IN OCTOBER?!!! Are you guys out of your minds?!!! This is the best film of the year and you're burying it in October! It's coming out the same day as another(I pray) great film, PLEASANTVILLE! Why are you doing this? This is MIRAMAX'S OSCAR BABY and you're going to ignore it! Fuck that piece of shit Shakespeare in Love! Just because it stars a Fiennes doesn't mean it's Best Picture Material. Release The Mighty in Mid-December. Platform it, then go wide in January. This movie is 5 times better than Good Will Hunting and a million times better than past Miramax flicks like The English Patient, The Crying Game, and The Piano! Don't screw this movie over!!! It'll get lost in October and forgotten by the time the Academy Members mark their ballots. This is a little flick with a alot of heart. Please, for ALL THAT IS RIGHT WITH MOVIES TODAY...PUT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE ON THIS FILM AND LET IT RIDE!!!
All right. I'm pulling out the big guns here. Last year, around this time, I went up to Mr. Cameron after I saw an advanced screening of TITANIC and congratulated him on the flick. I told him he better clear off a space on his mantle because he's just won the Academy Award. He told me it won't happen. The flick is too "Popcorn" for the Academy's pallate. As you know by now, I owe Mr. Cameron a Big, Fat "I told you so." Bob, Harvey, Peter...Listen to me carefully, "Clear off a space on your mantle." This is the Mighty One telling you this. I hope I'm right.
T.T.F.N.,
Joe Hallenbeck
