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Finding Forrester Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    62

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 50

    out of 100

    The New York Times Stephen Holden

    The screenplay by Mike Rich is so far-fetched and riddled with holes that Mr. Van Sant's urban realist touches only underscore the falseness of what's on the screen.

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  • 60

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

    Even fairy tales could use a bit more substance than this.

    Read Full Review

  • 67

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Highly unoriginal but nevertheless stirring drama.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    The scenes between the old man and the teenager are at the heart of the movie, and it's a pleasure to watch the rapport between Connery, in his 50th year of acting, and Brown, in his first role.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    USA Today Mike Clark

    One can't underestimate the appeal of any movie constructed around Sean Connery's charm.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    Variety Emanuel Levy

    Provides a platform for Sean Connery to deliver a definitive, career-summation performance.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Finding Forrester reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 13+

Quality characters, solid film; OK for ages 14+.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie has brief strong language and sexual references and situations (Jamal's neighbors have loud sex on the other side of his bedroom wall). Forrester says that women will have sex with anyone who has written a book. Jamal and Claire take their relationship very slowly and show a lot of respect and concern for each other. Forrester drinks a good bit, and talks about a character who died in a drunk driving accident.

  • Families can talk about why Jamal and Forrester hide their talents. How does the fact that both have lost family members provide an important connection for them? Why is it important for us to find people who can teach us? Why was Crawford so angry, and do you agree with Forrester's comment about "bitterly disappointed teachers?" What prejudices are revealed by the characters? Do you agree that "people are most afraid of what they don't understand?" Family members can also talk about Forrester's advice that the first draft is written with the heart, the second with the head, and might want to try his technique for getting started on writing.

What to watch for
  • violence false2

    Violence: Some tense moments -- characters push one another, one character throws a glass into a wall.

  • sex false2

    Sex: Overheard sounds of couple having sex, some sexual references.

  • language false3

    Language: Some strong language including "f--k."

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Character drinks often, reference to drunk driving accident.

Fan Reviews provided by

4

Great by Phronc
This was a great movie... and you can't go wrong with Sir Connery.

1

by splashsgirl

4

by Smaht

5

by eileensaa

4

by two_fold

4

by moviefanatic2187

3

by center_aisle

4

Review of Finding Forrester by Deirdre12345
Good: This is an inspiring story, with an unforeseen plot. Forrester is an author that sees Jamal as more than a city kid after he gives him a chance, and although Forrester works in mysterious ways to help Jamal, he changes this writer?s life forever. This is an unexpected twist, especially since this character was introduced while Jamal was stealing out of his apartment. This story is inspiring and proves that regardless of racial prejudices and outside pressures, it is possible to pursue a true dream, even with the help of unexpected people. Nothing, even a bitter old literature teacher, stood in Jamal?s way. This is a respectable, moral plot for a mainstream movie to have. Also interesting to the storyline is the fact that Forrester is learning from young Jamal too. Not so good: Jamal meets a fellow student, Claire, who is predictably a like minded female that goes to the prep school. This is classic and rather uninteresting.

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