Oct. 30, 2007 - Issue #628: Confessions of an Innocent Man
Child&s sweetness impossible to hate
That is the sole premise of Martian Child, based on the award-winning novelette by, and about, sci-fi author David Gerrold and his experiences as a single adoptive dad. The only major difference is this family film leaves out the part where David is gay, and instead makes him a widower with an attractive “friend,” Harlee, played by Amanda Peet.
Martian Child doesn’t deviate much from this basic logline. What very little conflict there is, most of the issues focus on Dennis’s inability to adapt to the real world. Endearing scenes in which Dennis successfully predicts the future or tastes colours actually promote the idea that he’s a Martian, but David barely struggles with these notions, and has Dennis stapled as a humanoid early on.
There are some come-and-go issues with the boy’s kleptomania and the first draft of the sequel to David’s “Harry Potter in space” novel being due very soon, but Dennis’s stealing problems are underused, and David whips up a product for his publisher effortlessly.
It also tries to force us to ask whether David is capable of good parenting, even though he’s a better father than mine, yours and about 90 per cent of the general dad population. And just in case, his sister (played by Cusack’s real sister Joan) is around for helpful advice.
Director Menno Meyjes is a prolific screenwriter whose credentials include The Color Purple and the Hitler biopic Max (which he also directed), but he did not pen this screenplay, and it shows. Dennis and David’s problems are admittedly tough, but easily resolved.
Martian Child contrives a theme about being yourself no matter how absurd your behavior is, and it hammers the same be-yourself rhetoric repeatedly. At the same time, it professes social adaptation, therefore nullifying the aforementioned crux. But whatever your conclusion is, the poignancy is hardly capable of reaching a five-year-old. It’s mostly just about charm.
John Cusack is wonderful throughout. Although his penchant awkwardness is still prevalent, his character’s solid approach with the boy makes him quirkily confident. Bobby Coleman doesn’t have to do much as an actor, just talk in a quiet, raspy voice until the end where he has to show a little more emotion. But he’s undeniably lovable, and together with Cusack, the weirdo-chemistry is very convincing.
In the way that Superbad twisted into a fraternal love story, Martian Child is a paternal love story, only the chase isn’t an obnoxious, husky friend—it’s an enchanting little boy. The “chase” is rather short, and potential confrontations are sacrificed for smiles. But like the orphan in the box, it’s not humanly possible to dislike Martian Child. Not even a little. It is sweet and warm, and it leaves you with a floaty feeling similar to having your pinky grasped by a baby’s tiny hand. V
Opens Fri, Nov 2
Martian Child
Directed by Menno Meyjes
Written by Seth Bass, Jonathan Tolins
Starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Bobby Coleman
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