Based on Rodman Philbrick's novel, "Freak the Mighty," this is a funny and moving tale of the adversities of youth. On the surface, it may seem somewhat similar in concept and themes to "Simon Birch." Both films concern the friendship of two adolescent boys who are outsiders, with one of whom possessing some sort of medical condition. Together, a diminutive "brain" and a husky "brawn" team to form "Freak the Mighty," with the smaller lad perched upon the larger's shoulders. They bond over the ideal of chivalric knights and embark on noble quests with their imaginations revolving around the King Arthur mythos. The movie generates genuine emotions and doesn't resort to the trickery employed by mundane Hollywood-ized stories (see "Simon Birch"). The situations aren't played for cheap laughs, and the film takes a turn into darker territory when one character's convict father shows up, threatening dire circumstances. All of the leads give above-the -mark performances, especially the two younger actors. Kieran Culkin displays more range in this one part than in his elder sibling Macaulay's entire career. Sharon Stone is superb in a winning, heartfelt appearance. Fans of "The X-Files" may want to tune in to see Gillian Anderson in a brief role that is about as far as Agent Scully as one can be. Trevor Jones contributes an inspiring score that reflects a Celtic-influenced medieval motif that mixes with the urban realities of modern day Cincinnati, Ohio. This is a smart and thoughtful film that, while containing some deeply sad moments, is no tear-jerker. It manages several touches of humor including a very amusing "Star Trek" reference.
Review of The Mighty
