OK for kids 10+
Sweet kid-friendly drama has some mature themes.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although there's very little in the way of language, sex, and violence in this well-acted family drama, it does deal with some serious themes -- including death (of both humans and pets) and abandonment -- that are on the heavy side for young viewers, who may need guidance understanding what they see. Parents are shown discussing their frustrations with their kids and yelling at them, and kids are shown cruelly teasing a main character and calling him "weird." Some social drinking, but only among adults.
- Families can talk about being different. Can standing out from the crowd really make you feel like you're from another planet? Kids: Have you ever felt that way? How did you handle it? Is it easier to be more like your peers? Why or why not? How can you stay proud of your individuality if other kids single you out for being different? Families can also discuss why parents and children are often shown at odds in movies. Are they really all that different? In what ways? Why does this subject make great fodder for Hollywood?
The good stuff
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Messages: A man reaches out to a young boy on the fringes of society. The child has been abandoned and has chosen to portray himself as different, which only alienates others. But his adopted dad persists, and, in turn, heals from his own tragedy. His family is pretty supportive, too.
What to watch for
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Violence: A father and son throw plates around, but not out of anger. The father also loses his temper, though he quickly regains control of it.
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Sex: An awkward-but-sweet kiss.
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Language: No swearing, but some insults ("weird," "stupid," etc).
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Consumerism: Some products, such as sunblock and sunglasses, are noted, but in general there's no egregious label-pushing (though Dennis certainly does like his Lucky Charms...).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some drinking (by adults) in social situations.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Finally, more films are showing the truth about Dads by MakubaJack
Exceptional film! This was touching, thoughtfully made, and very well acted. John Cusack's sister Joan stood out in this story of an emotionally disturbed child who is welcomed into the world of a despondent widower. That Father & Son end up changing each other lives forever is only the beginning of the story.
A single Dad's parental skills are on full display here, and how refreshing it is to see Hollyweird not stereotype single Dad's as uncaring louts. John Cusack nailed the single, scared, often neurotic single Dad.
Big thanks to all who made this delightful, fun film. It is the perfect bookend to Will Smith's "The Pursuit Of Happyness". GO SEE IT!
4
Fruit Loops by Daydream
The Martian Child is a touching story of a widower trying to be a father for the first time in his life by adopting a six year old ?martian child?. John Cusack acts flawlessly as a struggling new parent and there is an astonishing connection between him and his son, Bobby Coleman. And who could forget about Joan Cusack, sister to John in real-life as well as in the movie. She brings a sarcastic form of parenting humor to the movie that makes it even more enjoyable. Wonderful feel-good movie.
5
A touching story that isn't too over-the-top. by JeneeORama
I don't cry at movies. I cried at this one. It was great, beginning to end, because it was real, funny, poignant, and not predictable. It didn't drag, it wasn't cliche, and it was everything I'd hoped. GO SEE IT!!!
5
An amazing story, must see! by fabmzbrie
My husband and I decided on this movie for our "Date Night". It is a beautiful story and has alot to say. I am a huge John Cusack fan as well as one of his sister, Joan (Man I would love to have a sister like her). I left there remembering why I love my children so much and how we are all put in line with one another for a reason. You NEED to see this movie, totally worth the small fortune a movie ticket costs these days. I see maybe 2-3 movies a year and am so glad I got the opportunity to see this one in the theatre.
5
Best Movie of the Year!! by jcashmer
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen.
It makes you laugh and cry.
Top 10 of all time
5
martian child by Josh030388
i thought that this was agreat move and is for all ages!! and everyone should see it! i loved the movie and so did my lillie sis. its a great feel good kind of movie.
5
GREAT MOVIE by MOVIEMOM26
ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I'VE SEEN IN AWHILE!
5
Martian Child by stocksquad4
It is so refreshing to see a movie that is about these poor children that are in foster care. Being a parent of 2 adoptive children that were both in foster care and had been neglected and abused, this movie is very true to life. You constantly struggle with the questions of "Am I doing the right thing" or "Can we really handle their issues"? This movie showed that these children just want to be accepted and loved, and the fact that the father did not give up on him spoke volumes. Our 9 year old son actually had tears in his eyes. John Cusack (who happens to be my favorite actor) was so believable in this role. Great movie.
5
LAHViN Martian Child by LAHViNmovies
I really enjoyed this movie. It had unexpected comedy too. The fact that a guy who didn't fit in when he was a kid helped out a little boy who didn't fit in was a good plotline. I felt bad for Dennis, it was a TRUE feel good film. I'm about to get it on DVD. LAHViNmovies really does LAHVE this film. ;]
4
I Laughed, I Cried ... by crankyoldguy
If you liked "Little Miss Sunshine," you'll like this unadorned film with heart. The remarkably subtle and sensitive performances by a perfect cast enhance this comic-drama about overcoming the painful happenings of life. Leave the action-oriented kiddies home; this is an entertaining but introspective story about a widower and an peculiar orphan boy. The chuckles are genuinely earned, coming out of recognizable human foibles and not from artificially forced gag lines. Tears are shed as we vicariously experience how hard it sometimes is for people to drop their facades and come together. The climactic scene is a bit over the top for such an otherwise sensitively constructed script, but, apart from that excess, this film is a charmer.