Reviews

People angry about this movie need to actually watch it first. I bet most of the negative reviews are from people who didn't even watch it. I think it is really about how Hollywood likes a certain kind of story and how easily we will all buy into that narrative. I do believe the Touhys took him in out of goodness in their hearts. But I also think they got caught up in the media frenzy and lost sight of those true intentions. They chose to go along and not to speak up when asked about the accuracy of the story. They let Michael be portrayed as a childlike simpleton when he could certainly read and write and was already an accomplished football player. Imagine seeing your life story and they show you taking a test but unable to do anything but draw a toddler level picture of a sailboat. That must be hurtful. Imagine seeing yourself get adopted on screen but in reality it didn't happen. He did feel like family but they shouldn't have let that lie be perpetuated. The conservatorship was probably well intended but unnecessary. I think this doc is about how Michael didn't have enough voice in his own story and this just sheds some light on some important details.