Martian Child

Strong performances by John Cusack and child actor Bobby Coleman almost redeem this self-consciously schmaltzy and moralizing ode to parenting based on the autobiographical novel by David Gerrold. Successful science-fiction writer David (Cusack), still grieving for his wife two years after her death, combats his loneliness by adopting Dennis (Coleman), a young orphan who believes himself to be a Martian. Although David understands and plays along with the boy's fantasy, he's pressured by school and orphanage officials to help socialize Dennis rather than tolerate his withdrawal from reality. This aspect of the plot rather awkwardly explores a heavy-handed and not altogether convincing struggle between imaginative self-expression and mindless conformity. Is David really helping the boy expand his mind, or will such “progressive” parenting just encourage antisocial behavior? Cusack projects a winning personality, ably backed by costars who include his real-life older sister Joan (in another of her signature older sister roles) and Amanda Peet, as a supportive friend who becomes David's love interest. Their fine contributions help to compensate somewhat for the film's aggressive self-righteousness. A strong optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary (by producers Corey Sienega and David Kirschner, and writers Seth Bass and Jonathan Tolins), 14 deleted/alternate scenes (27 min.), a “Handle with Care: Working with the Martian Child” character featurette (24 min.), “The Real Martian Child” featurette on the inspiration for the film (14 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a so-so film.] (E. Hulse)