Martian Child

David (John Cusack) is a science fiction writer, and a widower. He is considering adopting a child. His wife had always wanted to, and now, he is seriously considering the possibilities.

His wife (and his) friend Halee (Amanda Peet) is supportive. His sister Liz, (Joan Cusack, his real sister) has views on parenting; she is one. She refers to her sons as Omen I and Omen II.

Sophie (Sophie Okonedo) works at the orphanage. She wants David to consider a very special child, Dennis. He thinks he is a Martian. David is accosted by a little girl.

David: Hi. What's your name?
Esther: Esther.
David: Hi, Esther.
Esther: I know who you are.
David: You do?
Esther: You're the man who Sophie called about Dennis, but you don't want him 'cause your wife's dead.
David: Who told you that?
Esther: Dennis.
David: Are you a friend of his, or what?
Esther: No, he's a weirdo. He doesn't have any friends.
David: He doesn't? Where is he hanging out?
Esther: He's in the box. He doesn't come out until night.
David: Why does he do that?
Esther: The sun. He hates the sun.
David: Why does he hate the sun?
Esther: I don't know. Because he thinks it's too sunny?
David: Right.

Dennis (Bobby Coleman) is troubled. He sits in a box all day. He wears a weight belt so he won't float away. He does not make friends.

David's reaction is typical: "So what made you think that I would be a good match for a boy who spends most of his time in a box?"

But David is a good match. His first overture is to buy the kid Sun block, SPF 45. Next, its sunglasses, then they play catch, David sitting on the Ground, Dennis sitting in his box, on its side, the opening toward David. By throwing short, he literally draws the boy out of his shell.

Dennis comes to live with David. It ain't easy. Dennis steals. He likes hanging upside down. He only eats Lucky Charms. But David's approach is based on a basic assumption; it is okay to be different. First, he needs to feel safe. First he needs acceptance.

(Dennis knocks over a bowl, startling David. The bowl breaks)

Dennis: Was I bad?
David: I don't care about any of that stuff. Look, this is just stuff.
(Drops a bowl)
Dennis: (Drops a bowl softly)
David: Come on! Break it like you mean it!
(Throws another bowl)
David: (Dennis throws some plates) Now that! Come on!

And while David might accept Dennis as a little six year old space invader, the rest of the world is less accepting. Dennis' stealing gets him expelled and that puts David back on review. His reply to this news is truly touching, "I do know, there's no one on this planet that loves Dennis anymore than I do."

Dennis starts to emerge from his shell. He learns some skills in imitating humans. He even gives up the weight belt for his first day at his new school. He's allowed to be a Martian at home, and a human out in public. And he makes progress.

But even a saint like David can reach a breaking point. David comes when he is arguing with Dennis, and he bumps a cop car. He can't find his driver's license. He accuses Dennis of taking it. This wounds Dennis, and it does not help that David has to go and tell his editor that instead of writing the sequel he was contracted to write, he has written a book called Martian Child...

But when Dennis runs away for a rendezvous with the mother ship, David is confronted with what haunts Dennis; loss and abandonment.

This movie is tender, funny and insightful by turns. The acting is superb. Joan Cusack in particular nails the role of overly cautious slightly insane sister. Though, this could be a case of acting by not acting. But Bobby Coleman steals the show. This little kid has got some moves! His emotional range is impressive, and some of the little tics and eccentricities are right on target, you believe he is a geekling with sever FLK syndrome.

John Cusack probably was a geekling with FLK so I don't know if the Oscar goes to him, or the casting director. And though it is just a bit part, the impressive Angelica Huston makes an impact.

This is a movie about the ultimate healing power of love and acceptance. How can you not love that?