Writes of Passage Finding Forrester
By Ross Anthony
If "Good Will Hunting" and "Scent of a Woman" were to meet some moonlit night, consummate and make a child, "Finding Forester" would be their adolescent son.
Though less developed, matured, and fervent than its parents, "Forrester" draws from the same heart to make the same points. It's a warm mellow film. Warm in its development of the unlikely friendship between Sean Connery, (a cynical Pulitzer Prize winning recluse) and Brown, a 16-year-old basketballer from the Bronx. Mellow in its progression. Unfortunately, Director Gus Van Sant kicks back a little too long -- never really breaking into the intense back and forth of "Good Will Hunting" which he also directed.
Additionally, the piece feels harshly edited at times. For example, a trip to a basketball game ends in a baseball diamond -- not even a quick reference shot of a basketball game is given. Anyway, it's a nice enough film, quaint even. And one of the few films where the lead actor can actually aptly play the sport he's called to play.
I particularly enjoyed the following quote from the production notes. F. M. Abraham who plays Crawford the skeptical prep school teacher says of his character, "Crawford's ... a victim of his own pride and blindness. His tragedy is that he's failed the one great student he ever taught, squandered his chance at helping someone achieve true fame."
Finding Forrester. Copyright © 2000. Rated PG-13. * Starring Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin (Claire), Busta Rhymes, Michael Nouri's. * Director Gus Van Sant. * Writer Mike Rich. * Produced by Laurence Mark at Columbia.
Grade..........................B+
-- Copyright © 2000. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
For more reviews visit: http://www.RossAnthony.com
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