The Mighty

I remember when I first heard that this book, FREAK THE MIGHTY (by Rodman Philbrick), was going to be made into a movie and that Gillian Anderson was going to play a small role. Well, I went ahead and read the book because (a) I'm an X-Files fan, and (b) I wanted to know what so drew her to the project that she was willing to play a less than a major role.

The book just tore me apart-- it wasn't just that I'd been a misfit myself in my youth, but the fact that it dealt with sometimes amazing, sometimes painful situations in such a clear-eyed way, never pandering to or underestimating the intelligence of the reader.

This film, while not adhering to the book to the letter (but damned close) kept the SPIRIT of the book intact, and for that I credit not only the director and screenwriter but the cast. Everyone involved seems to be most concerned with truth-- not is it dramatic, is it sad, is it funny, but is it HONEST?

While I credit all involved parties with making this film work so well, I have to say that NONE of it would have worked had it not been for the two leads, Elden Hensen and Kieran Culkin. These two ASTOUNDING young men are so utterly concerned with their characters as human beings that there is not a single false note in either performance. Going in, Culkin has an additional challenge/handicap-- the wiseacre type honed by his brother Macauley might well have been expected here, given the no-apologies intelligence that characterizes Kevin/Freak. But Culkin has no interest in just getting laughs-- he seems entirely aware that there are more important treasures to be had from this material.

That's not to say that there aren't moments that make you smile or yes, laugh, but they happen through the comedy of CHARACTER, not situation. There are no cheap emotions on the screen, nor do they try to elicit them from the viewer. When you laugh and cry at this movie, it is because you feel a PART of the proceedings, not that this is something put in front of you merely to entertain. It is obvious why such stellar actors (Anderson, Sharon Stone, Harry Dean Stanton, Gena Rowlands, James Gandolfini) were drawn to this project-- there is more than enough well-drawn, intelligent material to go around, even to the smallest of roles. I also felt that the film improved on the novel by giving it a bit more an ending; the book just kind of STOPPED, and I was glad to see a bit more resolution. These characters deserved it.

I give the film 4 stars rather than 5 because of (a) the all-too-real violence and threatened violence seems jarring at times (as it did in the book as well) and (b) the lack of extras on this edition (a truncated behind the scenes featurette and NO commentary tracks, which is positively CRIMINAL given the talent involved).

So even though neither the film nor the presentation (although the music video by Sting is kind of fun) is perfect, do NOT let that dissuade you from seeing this film. You will not see its like again soon.


Unapologetic tear-jerker, I was deeply moved   June 7, 2005
calvinyw (NJ)
11 out of 13 found this review helpful

It's a movie about teenager friendship. Sad ending with an awkward attempt to send an uplifting message. Decent acting, GREAT music!

Yes, it's a feel-good movie.
Yes, it has a predicatable plot.
Yes, it's unapologetically sentimental.
Yes, the knights on horseback scenes are extremely annoying.

And yes, I was deeply moved by the movie. I just couldn't help it. (This is from a 30+ old guy who sit through Titanic and couldn't stop wondering what all the fuss was about.)



Buy This Film Now!   August 27, 1999
Charles E. Little (Honolulu, Hawaii)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I had seen the theatrical trailer for this film when the working title was "Freak the Mighty." I suppose someone thought the term 'freak" to be deragatory; however, after seeing this sleeper, I'd be proud if someone thought I had those rare and wonderful characteristics Kieran Culkin's character, "Freak," displayed in this film. I don't ever remember this movie coming to Honolulu (so much for the "Coming soon to a theater near you" slogan!), but I was thrilled when it was released on DVD. I rented, and sat at home alone watching it one evening after work. I rented it again three days later when my girlfriend was over so she could see it, and loved it even more the next time. I've ordered the DVD from Amazon (it should be here tomorrow!), and plan on sharing it with as many of my friends as possible. This is as touching and heartwarming a film as I've seen in years. It is destined to become a classic -- it has lessons that all our children should learn, hopefully before they're too old to be shaped by the story. With little violence, almost no foul language, a marvelous soundtrack (featuring the title song by Sting) and an outstanding ensemble cast, you cannot go wrong with this film. It is destined to become on of my all-time favorites.


You've gotta love this movie.   June 20, 2001
Mark Lee
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

Oh wow. I fell in love with this movie from the moment the music started to play. The music is Celtic, and it's really outstanding. But it's Eldan Henson and Kieran Culkin who really steal the show.

The film starts off with Max Kane (Henson). Max is in 7th grade, but he is at least two feet taller than everyone else in his grade. He is always being teased by bullies for his size, his illiteracy, and his infamous father.

Then a kid named Kevin Dillan (Culkin) moves into the neighborhood. Kevin is also in 7th grade, but he is very small and has a birth defect that forces him to walk on crutches. He is also extremely smart. Bullies tease him, too.

Soon, Kevin and Max became inseparable friends. Max became Kevin's legs, and Kevin became Max's brain. By themselves, Max and Kevin were just freaks of nature who were always teased. But when they are together, they are called "Freak the Mighty"! And then what happens is.....what, did you really think I'd tell you what happens next?

The script in this movie is absolutely adorable. Here are some of the quotes:

--"So you're a pacifist.....yeah, a pacifist. You know, 'pass on the fist'?"

--"I said, you're a cretin!.....yeah, a cretin! C-R-E-T-I-N! Look it up in the dictionary and you'll find your mugshot!"

--"My father was a magician. He heard the words, 'birth defect', and disappeared."

--"Don't think of it as a friendship. Think of it as a partnership. You need a brain and I need legs. And the Wizard of Oz doesn't live in South Cincinnati."

--"Every word is part of a picture. Every sentence IS a picture. All you do is let your imagination connect them together.....if you HAVE an imagination, that is."

Plus many more. The above quotes were all said by Kevin Dillan. But my favorite quote is the last line of the movie. You won't forget it for a while.

The script is hilarious. The music is catchy. The acting is all top-notch. And the ending is so tragic.....it all adds up to a truly unforgettable film. If you have a psyche, you will love this film. Watch it ASAP.

P.S. Yes, I am only 14 years old, but parents shouldn't be too concerned about the PG-13 rating. There's no sex, no nudity, no drug content, no profanity, and almost no on-screen violence. Little kids may be frightened at times, but this movie is overall no more inappropriate than the PG-rated "Simon Birch". If your kids have seen "Simon Birch", then they can--and MUST--see "The Mighty"!

P.P.S. Does anyone know that Eldan Henson was actually 20 years old at the time he starred in this movie?