Martian Child Is Not Quite Out of this World Movie Review
By Fatema Maswood ’11
News Reporter
The plot of “Martian Child,” a new film directed by Menno Meyjes and based on a short story by David Gerrold, centers on David Gordon (John Cusack), a widowed science-fiction author who takes an unusual little boy under his wing in order to do something meaningful with his life. Against the advice of his sister (Joan Cusack), David decides to adopt a child to follow the wishes of his late wife.
When he sees Dennis, an eccentric creature who insists he is from Mars and spends his day inside a cardboard box to avoid the sun, David feels an instant connection. His memories of the alienation he felt as a child who did not quite fit in trigger a desire to help another in the same situation. Winning Dennis’ trust with sunscreen and sunglasses, David begins to appreciate all of the boy’s quirks and embarks on the long process of teaching him “how to be a human.”
With all of his time and energy focused on his new son, David has little time to write the highly anticipated sequel to his best-selling novel, which does not please his impatient editor. In addition to the irritation brought on by an overzealous editor, the unavoidable cruel adoption agency is hesitant to allow David custody of his young charge, believing him to be a sci-fi nerd with no parenting capabilities. Throughout the movie, David proves their belief wrong with his sweet, if unconventional, parenting skills, and his insistence that Dennis be encouraged to be himself.
Although “Martian Child” is full of charming, heartwarming moments, as well as plenty of comedy (especially from Joan Cusack), parts of it feel quite predictable. David’s romance with his female best friend and the fate of the inevitable adored old dog are hardly unexpected, and there are almost too many cute but somewhat detached moments. Sometimes it is difficult to feel a connection with the characters, although David’s bewilderment as he tries to be a parent is endearing and Dennis’s quirks are too amusing to ignore. Although “Martian Child” is not extraordinarily realistic, it is full of charm and sentiment. If you are looking for a movie with plenty of smiles and tears to go around, this one fits the bill.
