Francis Ford Coppola achieves what many other directors didn't: he tamed Robin Williams! Mr. Coppola has restrained his star into giving a performance, that while exaggerated, at times, in comparison with other Robin Williams' vehicles is an exercise in economy.
This is a film for young children, but since we never saw it in its commercial run, we decided to take a look. It paid off because, as a comedy, Mr. Coppola, showed affection to the subject matter, the boy with a rare disease that seems much older than what his young years indicate. In fact, Jack, is a sort of freak to the school kids when they first meet him. After all, he is only ten, but seems to be about forty! Why, he even shaves. Jack will teach all his class mates a lesson in acceptance and an understanding to take people for what they are, not for the way they look like, which is something that most of us don't' seem to get.
Robin Williams can be a disarming actor, given the direction and a strong hand behind his appearances, as he tends to run amok with his own sense of fun, which can be too much to take, at times. That said, Mr. Williams does an amazing job in bringing Jack to life. This is perhaps one of his best screen appearances lately.
As the parents, Diane Lane and Brian Kerwin are fine. They try to protect their young son from the outside cruelty, but little do they know he will do it on his own, by being himself. Ms. Lane also gives a good performance. Bill Cosby is also seen as the tutor Mr. Woodruff and has some funny moments. Fran Drescher is good on her small role of Dolores. Adam Zolotin is a great Louis, the boy that befriends Jack is a charming little actor that does excellent work opposite Mr. Williams.
Mr. Coppola shows he is a good director, which is clearly demonstrated in this film.
This is a film for young children, but since we never saw it in its commercial run, we decided to take a look. It paid off because, as a comedy, Mr. Coppola, showed affection to the subject matter, the boy with a rare disease that seems much older than what his young years indicate. In fact, Jack, is a sort of freak to the school kids when they first meet him. After all, he is only ten, but seems to be about forty! Why, he even shaves. Jack will teach all his class mates a lesson in acceptance and an understanding to take people for what they are, not for the way they look like, which is something that most of us don't' seem to get.
Robin Williams can be a disarming actor, given the direction and a strong hand behind his appearances, as he tends to run amok with his own sense of fun, which can be too much to take, at times. That said, Mr. Williams does an amazing job in bringing Jack to life. This is perhaps one of his best screen appearances lately.
As the parents, Diane Lane and Brian Kerwin are fine. They try to protect their young son from the outside cruelty, but little do they know he will do it on his own, by being himself. Ms. Lane also gives a good performance. Bill Cosby is also seen as the tutor Mr. Woodruff and has some funny moments. Fran Drescher is good on her small role of Dolores. Adam Zolotin is a great Louis, the boy that befriends Jack is a charming little actor that does excellent work opposite Mr. Williams.
Mr. Coppola shows he is a good director, which is clearly demonstrated in this film.