Genres

Visitors Review

Indyj 2012-05-23 03:20:23

Solid Story, Well Cast

I found this movie good. Solid Story and casting. I couldn't really faultit.I walked away thinking it was OK. Michael Caine deserved his Oscar andcarries this moive as Dr Larch. He said once in a speech that he made a lotof crap in his time and a lot of money which gave him the priviledge tochoose quality movies that came a long. This in my mind is the best he hasever done. It'll be hard to top this one.Go See it its worth a look.....7out of 10

Cheryl Slotterbeck 2012-05-22 17:41:59

A good, yet predictable, drama

This movie is an interesting mix of basic drama and controversial ideas.Unfortunately, I found the plot to be distractingly predictable; so much sothat I ended up giving the film a much lower rating than it might otherwisedeserve. The solid performances were its saving grace. Tobey McGuire hasan amazing gift of conveying honesty and strength, and the supportingcharacters added a wonderful richness to the film. Most of all, Iappreciate any movie that reminds us that, in the words of the band Rush,"if you choose not to decide/you still have made a choice."I recommend this film to those who enjoy drama and who can put aside theproblems with its predictability.

watchhawk 2012-05-22 11:17:28

A candid film that touches your heart

The Cider House Rules is a fascinating film. A stellar acting by MichaelCaine and a strong story make this film a very memorable one. The directingis straight forward and captures the atmosphere of the story. The moral ofthe story and the way Dr. Wilbur has to cope with cruel reality has manyresemblance to an another beautiful movie, "Life is beautiful". A must foreveryone who enjoy meaningful films.

nyker24-2 2012-05-21 19:29:54

Disappointing movie

Given all the rave reviews I'd heard and it's Oscar nominations, I thoughtCider House Rules would have been an exceptional movie. It turned out to bea bland, unexceptional movie, however, and I am sorry that I did not waitfor it to come out on video.Caine and Lindo's performace are the standouts here, but even that is notenough to save this boring movie. Maguire and Theron might as well havebeenreading their dialogue right off a script in their hands for all theemotionthey put into their roles. Overall, I thought the plot moved too slowly andgot nowhere. And the musical score was so overtly manipulative that Ialmostbegan laughing at it's blatant attempt to stir the audiences' emotionsrightfrom the beginning.I also felt that the Pro-Choice (NOT pro-abortion as someone mentioned)message was a bit heavy-handed, and this is coming from someone who is verypro-choice. I think it was a good message and considering the time periodthis took place in, very appropriate, but it was hammered home one too manytimes.All in all, I was very disappointed in this movie, and I sincerely hopethatother, more inventive, films such as American Beauty or The Green Mile,takehome the Oscars.

2012-05-16 17:23:54

How did I miss this?

I am not sure how I missed this fine movie; perhaps because I was not enthralled with John Irvings first novel and the film adaption that followed, and overlooked Irvings books and films since. I checked out Cider House Rules because Michael Caine was in it. Michael Caine gives a great performance and the step-back-from-the-action style of acting of Toby McGuire was appropriate for this film. On the surface the film seems to be about abortion but in actuallity it is about choices. Michael Caine is the doctor at an orphanage and performs abortions for young ladies in distress. Toby McGuire is an orphan and the doctor's student. A student who does not agree with the teacher's choice to do these abortions. Of course, he will come to a turning point later when he must make a decision that he does not want to make. More than being a film about uncomfortable choices it is a film about human growth (Toby McGuire) and human frailties (Delroy Lindo). When a apparent decent person cannot rise above his weaknesses and be a responsible civilized being - there lies a story. Delroy Lindo plays his part so well that even when he does something so terrible you could not possibly forgive him, you still feel bad for him. The film takes place during the early stages of the second world war when the depression years are still heavy on everyone's mind. The time period is well done in the actions and the faces of the people. If you appeciate a fine cast and enjoy a film that presents you with questions and doesn't always answer them, then this film is for you.

2012-05-16 14:03:41

Good movie doesn't live up to the Oscar hype

I enjoyed "Cider House Rules." The high point of thismovie was the main character. Caine gives a good performance, but his character doesn't grab me like a "best supporting actor" ought to. There are parts of the story line that are sketchy in the movie which is why the four instead of five stars. A better title would have been "From St. Cloud" because the image of the cider house rules, while powerful, is not completely played out. As far as viewing pleasure goes--this one will provide a nice two-hours' get-away on a cool fall evening. END

2012-05-14 21:08:16

I liked this movie

So much, that I watched it five times. At least the last time I caught it, I got to see the entire thing. On the first level, you have Michael Caine's character that doesn't want any new doctors on staff at the orphanage. Everyone on staff, including Tobey McGuire's character and the children know that Caine's character doesn't want anyone else finding out about his addiction to ether and his willingness to perform illegal abortions. While new blood would bring some sort of financial backing for the orphanage, the head doctor had the above mentioned liberal flaws. Tobey McGuire's character realized that he had to learn how to do something else instead of assist the head doctor, just in case his stay at the orphanage was "abruptly ended". He had been adopted three times and returned three times. Out in the real world, he discovered what his true calling was when he discovered that Rose was pregnant. Sorry, you are going to have to watch the movie to find out who the father is.The one thing I didn't like was that in spite of these rules that governed his job as apple-picker, his place at the orphanage, and the rules of common decency, everyone seemed to know when to break the rules, even the people over McGuire. Rose's condition could have been avoided, if someone from the camp reported her condition, but that would mean scandal for the rest of the pickers and loss of income. She was still young enough for foster care. MGuire knew the girl he slept with belonged to someone else. It did hurt him but he knew better that to fool around with a person who would go back to the man that got her pregnant the first time they showed up at the orphanage.

2012-05-14 08:28:07

Is there a point?

Some movies deliberately keep you off-balance, never quite revealing--until the very end--what they're really about. "The Cider House Rules" tops that challenge; it's one of those rare miscalculations that never reveals what it's about at all. It lurches from subplot to subplot, theme to theme, with all the clumsiness of a vagabond who's had one trip too many to the cider barrel--and yet Lassë Hallstrom's touch is so gentle, his direction so graceful, that it's ultimately impossible not to be as moved as you are confused.A chilly Maine orphanage, run by the aging, ether-addicted Dr. Larch (Michael Caine), serves as the film's initial setting. Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire) is a precocious but withdrawn young orphan who demonstrates great potential to be a doctor. When a young couple, Lt.Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd) and Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron) arrive at the orphanage to have their child aborted by Dr. Larch, Homer leaves his home to follow them. He eventually becomes a hired hand at Worthington's apple plantation--and from there, well, suffice it to say that the plot doesn't just thicken, it curdles."The Cider House Rules" was adapted by John Irving from his own novel, and it's plain to see that the serious issues he tackles were probably given far richer treatment on the page. In a two-hour film, they're forced to compete for your attention. It's not really about orphans (although there are enough cutesy shots of their pinched little faces to make you think so at first), although again, what it really IS about is indeed a profound question. Illicit love, abortion, incest, murder--these are not subjects to give short shrift to, and "The Cider House Rules," frustrated by its own schizophrenic tendencies, never really does full justice to any of them. Even the inevitable explanation of its title is such a hokey, contrived bit of symbolism that it feels like yet another unnecessary appendage.What keeps this film afloat, and makes it far more rewarding than it deserves to be, is the superb cast. Caine won an Oscar for his portrayal of the occasionally cantankerous but genuinely sympathetic doctor, and he shares a remarkable father-son chemistry with Maguire. Also good are Rudd, Theron, and Delroy Lindo as one of the hired hands, although his character is never satisfyingly explored. This being a Hallstrom film, the feel-good sentiment is in full force (although never as cloyingly as in the loathsome "Chocolat"), but this is one time I didn't mind. The music soars, the settings are enough to make you want to go out and be an apple-picker, and dash it all, those orphans ARE pretty darn cute. What a pity Hallstrom couldn't find a more focused narrative to wrap in his warm little blanket.

2012-05-13 08:19:46

"Princes of Maine - Kings of New England"

If you read John Irving's books, you'll encounter quotes like these from time to time - all humorous, serious and significant to the story. Irving 's orphan heroes are made to feel that despite being 'unwanted' by society, they were given the most regal title by Dr. Larch so they know they are loved and important. Dr. Larch knows about people and their flaws, and life and it's inevitable tragedies and miracles. You have the same chance of being brought up in riches as you do being raised in an orphanage. Circumstances create all kinds of situations where your life (or death) could change with one mistake or 'choice'. Irving himself grew up a princely comfortable life in New England, and many of his stories take place in his home state (New Hampshire) and surrounding Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts. He often depicts likeable, quirky characters brought up in 'provincial' New England. That being said, I can attest that Irving is no snob. He's a brilliant writer and his books are among my favs! A Prayer For Owen Meany is a treasure! ~ Enjoy this book and 'spot on' screenplay/film! Jayne Tyau

tgtround 2012-05-12 14:42:01

A Clear Case of the English Patients

Another Emperor's New Clothes film - it may have been a huge hit in America,where abortion is still a major moral and political issue, but very fewpeople in Europe, even in the most conservative Catholic countries raise ahuge stink about it any more.More importantly as a film, I can honestly believe that the book was better,as the film comes out as an overlong, hollow exercise based on the mostslender of plots. Tiresome from start to finish.

umitt 2012-05-03 21:07:34

Great great acting

Every actor or actress in this movie has an outstanding performance.Especially Charlize Theron and Michael Caine. He well deserves the Oscaraward, although I generally don't like his acting which I find tooemotional. Erykah Badu is another star in the movie.John Irving, the author of the book from which the movie was adapted, alsowrote the screenplay. This is another feature that makes the movie great.Inthe made-for-DVD documentary he said something like this, "after watchingamovie adapted from your book by somebody, you generally say, umm thismightbe better, so I wrote the screenplay myself". I liked it verymuch.It is a peaceful and emotional movie.

Dave Gorman 2012-05-03 08:17:39

sure to win Best Picture

I say that because it was long, boring, had sappy music, and plenty ofpolitical correctness. It also was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. In all of those regards (except maybe for the political correctness) it wasvery much like Titanic, which swept the Oscars in spite of being a horriblemovie.

jflesh 2012-05-03 18:04:18

Read the book

The movie is fine,but nothing like the book.Do yourself a favor and read it.

dwweidner 2012-05-03 03:13:22

The story of people and the ideas behind their choices in life and love.

This film is so wonderful, because it allows you to think about whatyou believe, as apposed to what others want you to think. The issue ofabortion lets the women choose what they want, to either risk giving achild a chance of living a loving life, or hurtful one with no love, orto abort, giving the child an eternal peace. Conservatives wouldbelieve there is no love without life, while Liberals would believethere is no life without love. Tobey Mcguire did a fantastic job atportraying Homer, a man who needs to search for the life he's lookingfor, after living at the orphanage his whole life, and along the wayrealizes he is needed by many people, whether they are at the new worldor back at the orphanage. Michael Cain also did marvelously as Wilburand I congratulate him on his Oscar. This movie is so difficult towatch, because it is so sad on many levels, including heart-brakingdeaths, incest, suicide, and worst of all, having to give up on thoseyou love. But the film is beautiful in a way, showing that you willhave to make choices in life, whether its to abort or not, or if its todecide if you want to be a doctor or pick apples, ha, its still greatto see."Goodnight you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England..."

mary bogue 2012-04-25 22:05:12

A Backstage View of The Cider House Rules

I had the distinct pleasure of working on this film, portraying Big Dot. Lasse Hallstrom was a dream to work with, a director with whom all actorsshould look forward to working. The cast and crew made this experience soenjoyable, despite the arrival of cold weather and plenty ofrain.I urge all John Irving fans to see the film, and to understand that Irvingwas responsible for the screen adaptation, compressing a huge novel into thestandard time format allowable. Cider House Rules was made with love on location in Vermont and the ScottFarm brought to this film absolute realism. Enjoy.

2012-04-25 12:39:21

read the book instead

The book was wonderful. The movie is average, and in several important aspects, does not follow the book at all - neither in the charcters nor the events. On the other hand, The World According to Garp was a terrific book - the movie followed it more faithfully, and it was an average movie. So, the moral is - read the book. John Irving is a terrific storyteller.

2012-04-25 08:20:59

An excellent film about the complexities of life

This movie is beautiful to look at, well-acted, and artfully written. Its examination of how the "rules" we're asked to live by don't always make sense in our everyday lives is subtle and beautifully handled. The story, too, is very touching and believable, particularly the relationship between Caine and McGuire. And the scene where the little boy with lung problems watches "King Kong", smiling with happiness, is one of the simplest, yet incredibly moving scenes in any movie I've ever watched.

Tony Rickert 2012-04-24 16:55:31

A Masterpiece

This movie was unbelievable. Toby Maguire was masterful in his portrayal asHomer and the 'Princes of Maine' and the 'Kings of New England' from Fuzzto Culkin were truly memorable. Charlize Theron is gorgeous a stunningbeauty that can act.Amazing.

bababear 2012-04-24 02:31:59

Two Big Thumbs Down

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES has to be the slowest, dullest movie in recent memory. MTV hasn't rotted my brain; deliberate pacing definitely has its place. But since almost nothing happens in this film there's nothing to waitfor.The opening scenes at the orphanage are interesting and the productiondesign was great, and all through it there's great scenery. Talented actorsare working here, but they have nothing to work with.There's a relentless message here that abortion is an ok thing: if we expectpeople to be responsible parents they should become parents as a result ofresponsible decisions. This point is hammered home relentlessly. What wasit Samuel Goldwyn said about messages being for WesternUnion?Speaking of hammered relentlessly, the musical score by Rachel Portman istrue Hall of Shame material. Every time there's an important plot point themusic swells madly because the film's makers figure we're too stupid tounderstand what's going on. Maybe it was just a bad mix in the theatrewhere we saw it, but the music darned near drowned out the dialogue. Ofcourse, that might have been a blessing in disguise.It's a shame. Lots of people worked very hard on this movie. There wereactors here who have done fine work elsewhere. The production design andcamera work are absolutely top notch. I think the primary blame lies withJohn Irving. Just because someone is a good novelist doesn't mean he'sgoing to be able to translate his work to the screen. It's a wholedifferent medium.In short, a massive waste of time and talent.

tsfranklin246 2012-04-23 13:02:07

Follow These Rules

In Lasse Hallstrom's wondrous and triumphant film adaption of JohnIrving's novel, The Cider House Rules, the main discussion is notreally about abortion, but more about the choices we make (or not make)and the consequences these choices have on our lives. Dr Larch makesnumerous choices throughout the film that impact his and others lives:he chooses to work at an orphanage; he chooses to treat Homer as hisson, but most importantly, Dr. Larch teaches Homer how to deliverbabies and to perform abortions. All of this is done in order to makeHomer "of use" and helpful to others. But as he moves into adulthood,Homer believes his "usefulness" is beyond the weekly movie nights andthe occasional pie dough overdose that the orphanage offers. He iseternally grateful for the education Dr. Larch has given him, but helongs for worldly experience. He longs for a life separate fromether-scented delivery rooms and the daily trips to the incinerator todispose of human remains. Most importantly, he wants a reality thatdoes not include abortion. This disagreement regarding the medicalprocedure was also part of the reason he wanted to leave the orphanageand escape the specter of his philosophical and pedagogical father, Dr.Larch. But in the end, it was also the thing that brought him back.During his time away he performs an abortion for a young girl namedRose, who was impregnated by her father. She did not want to have thebaby so he offered to help her. He does this not because he wants toencourage her to have an abortion, but because he wants her to knowthat she has a choice. He wants Rose to know that regardless of race,gender, class, or the current law, she indeed had the same type ofchoice he exercised when he chose not to perform abortions. And havingthis choice, like it did for him, will make her impervious to any typeof pressure or coercion that is used to try and force her into doingsomething she is morally opposed to doing. The day Homer chose to leavethe orphanage he was confronted with the often grim, unpleasant truthsand realities that the world he so coveted offered. After performing anabortion, experiencing heartbreak, and the unfortunate death of Dr.Larch, Homer realizes that by returning to the orphanage and replacinghim he would actually make the world a better place. He could continuethe legacy of Dr. Larch and care for the future "Princes of Maine andthe Kings of New England" and be "of use" to them and anyone else whodesired his assistance. In the end, this is what he felt he had to do.Indeed, this was his choice.One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the costume design.Unfortunately, despite the film's seven Oscar nominations, ReneeEhrlich Kalfus's costume design was not one of them. Renee's work trulyevoked the time period. The dresses and outfits worn by Candy and Mrs.Worthington (Wally's mother) were fashionable and trendy. The clothesthese women wore defined their status. On the other hand, the clothesworn by Homer, the kids at the orphanage, and the apple pickers weredrab and plain which is very similar to their status and view of theworld. Another omission the Academy made was in regard to the film'scinematography. Oliver Stapleton's lighting crew bathed most of thisfilm in natural light. The numerous exterior scenes demanded this andit was his responsibility to capture the wondrous beauty of New Englandin its natural state. The snowball fights and the frequent journeys tothe incinerator did not require any artificial light. The interiorscenes deserved and received the same treatment. Although in the scenesthat had little natural light, like the scene in which Homer and Candyare alone in the apple picker's quarters, Stapleton used low-keylighting which makes Homer and Candy's shadows dance as they rollaround in the bed. Stapleton's cinematography is also exemplary for itsevocative compositions. A perfect example of this is the scene at theempty drive-in that features a shot of Candy and Homer cuddled in thefront seat. Homer has never been to a drive-in before and isoverwhelmed by experience but Candy explains that people do not usuallygo to the drive-in to watch the movie. Stapleton is able to capture thetenderness of the scene as Candy forces Homer's arm around hershoulder. The moment is innocent, romantic, but also foreshadows thenature of their relationship: their budding romance must be kept asecret. The choices we make have consequences. Although they wanted to betogether, Candy and Homer realized that it was not possible. Despitetheir behavior, Candy was still committed to Wally and Homer still felta responsibility to Dr. Larch and the orphanage. Once Homer learnedthat Dr. Larch died and Candy found out that Wally had been hurt, thechoices they needed to make became clear. Candy chose Wally, marriage,and respectability; while Homer chose St. Cloud and responsibility.