Martian Child (DVD, 2008)

John Cusack gives a nice performance as David, a recently-widowed science-fiction writer who adopts an "odd" 6-year old boy who claims to be from Mars. The basic plot is fairly predictable. Lots of bumps in the road to the Martian Child (Dennis played wonderfully by Bobby Coleman) before they come to love each other. The gorgeous "best friend" (Amanda Peet) just hanging around waiting for Cusack to come to his senses and love her. The great supporting cast, Cusacks real-life sister Joan as David's sister, and Oliver Platt as his sci-fi collaborator/agent. And, of course, the climactic perilous ending. But above all this is a message about being yourself even if doing so makes you different from the rest. Yes it is tough for kids who are different and, yes, kids can be cruel. But in the end, it is Dennis' tenacious clinging to his story and its characteristics that helps him to reach higher ground. Not quite sure why this one is PG, but certainly suitable for the whole family.

This is a movie that shows someone stepping up and taking a risk to have an impact on the live of a child in need. I love the fact that it is based on a true story, and the extra features on the dvd let you see into the life experience of the real Martian Child.

I would recommend this movie to anyone, but especially those who may be considering adopting or doing foster care. Actually, I think it should be mandatory viewing as a part of training in that process.

I bought this movie because after driving thirty minutes to see it in theatres (it was only playing in one theatre anywhere near me), I knew I had to have it. I laughed, I cried and all that other stuff. It really is heart warming and entices you to reach out to someone who needs your love.

This movie was on our Foster Care list of titles for CEUs. We found it to be a pleasant surprise. Not only did it keep our attention the entire length of the movie we loved it.!this child needed time to adapt to an enviroment that would accept him but one that wanted him. The parent in the movie grew to fall in love with a child that was not his biologically but became his by choice. What a wonderful ending and very encouraging for potential adoptive parents. A+ movie.

I love this movie!! Such a sweet story and Cusack is great! Bobby Coleman is superb as the little "Martian Child". A great film for the whole family to enjoy. I highly recommend.

This is a great family movie. Bought it only because It was rated highly by a friend. It was the right choice for us.

My kids range in age from 2 to 11, and they liked the movie as much as my husband and I did. It's about how a troubled child has created his own reality to cope with early abandonment. He believes he is from Mars, and watching the movie you begin to wonder if he's making it up or if it's true. The man who takes him in as a foster child goes against the advice of the social workers, and rather than trying to convince the child that he's not from Mars, he accepts him and allows him to be what he needs to be while at the same time showing him how life as a human can be pretty great, too. I highly recommend this to viewers of all ages.

We were looking local for it but could not fine it.the movie is very good. I do not hace a 100 characters to writ about this movie.

All star cast John Cusack, Amanda Peet ,Oliver Platt, Bobby Coleman, Anjelica Huston,Howard Hesseman, Sophie Okonedo & Joan Cusack.
Martian Child is about a widowed man named David Gordon (John Cusack)who's job is to write Science Fiction books as an author.David finally comes to the decision to adopt a child to hopefully fill the void in his life. When at the adoption center his eye is instantly caught by the awkward boy in the cardboard box, and wears a weight belt, to "keep him from floating away", who is the outcast from all the other children who think that he is weird.When talking with the boy, Dennis, he claims to be from the Red Planet (Mars).David has an overwheelming feeling that this is the child for him to help.When David takes him home this martian child has a great imagination and truely believes he is from Mars.The social worker wants this particular child to act more human like.Both Davis & Dennis teach each other some things in this movie, and never give up on each other.This movie will have you laughing, and in the end make you want to cry.A very good movie that shows a special bond between two people Maritan or not, who need each other more than they both know!
Would recommend to buy this movie!!

This is a moving story about the developing relationship between a widowed writer and an orphaned boy (who alternately claims, pretends or even believes he is literally from the planet Mars). Adapted from the book by the same name, the story is believable (in spite of its unusual title and theme). The acting is top notch and the plot true-to-life. It offers plenty of subdued humor along the way. I highly recommend it to any viewer who likes human interest stories with a happy ending.

We rented this movie and like it so much, I bought it. Really cute movie! Keeps you guessing if the kid really is a martian!

loved the movie in the theatre, very happy to find it on eBay at a reasonable price NIB, unlike the video store or online video club prices are so pricey!
delivered fast and friendly

I missed this film in the theatres, but definitely wanted to see it on DVD. This is definitely a feel good movie about being yourself and not blindly fitting in for the sake of fitting in. John Cusack does a great job as does the rest of the cast.

I THINK THIS IS A VERY EMOTIONAL MOVIE.VERY TOUCHING. I DO THINK IT NEEDS TO SHOW MORE ABOUT THE CAUSE. THAT WAY IT WOULD BE MORE REALISTIC. I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE SHOWN THE BOY MORE IN THE BEGINNING AND THE REASON INSTEAD OF JUST SHOWING AFTER HE GOT IN THE BOX.

Great movie for everyone. Wonderful acting. Perfect movie for Family time. This movie was purchased at a great price and shipped very quickly.

Great story featuring John Cusack as David, a successful, semi-eccentric science-fiction writer who is considering adopting a child after the loss of his wife. After spending time with several children from an adoption agency, he stumbles across a child who actually believes he is from Mars. David relates with the boy, as he considered himself a "weird kid" growing up, and begins the adoption process. Great story line and performance from Cusack.

-Brian

This is a wonderful film about a boy finding a dad and a man finding a son. It's happy, it's cute, it's wonderful. One of my favorite ten films of all times. John Cusack did a great job as did young star Bobby Cole. It has a wonderful flair to it and it's a happy but touching film based on a award winning and true short story. Of course it has a happy ending. In a world full of misery and woe, this film will put a smile on your face. PG and nothing bad. A great film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved the movie. Some parts i wasn't expecting but i loved it. It was a cute movie and the little boy was adorable. It was a great family movie :)

Love John Cusask... heartwarming movie of a father's love for a child...
young actor played his part so well.... it touched me...

I have a personal relationship with the plot and story of this movie. Basically, in lay mans terms....I Can Relate. It was very emotionally relieving of the resilience the father gives his child during this learning and comprehension his son is trying to convey.

A very feel good movie with a lot of heart. The characters are strong, as well as the story line. Just a great movie! Who couldn't love a Martian Child?

This is for every child who was left behind...by perhaps more than just parents but being the last one to be picked for Red Rover or the basketball team...

this story is about all of us....and acceptance and self identification and validating that life fantasy is a survival tool as well as a healing one.

I loved the movie. I was disappointed in the fact that they changed father from the one in the book so much. However it is still an excellant movie about accepting other people and learning to give and love.

I have seen this movie twice. It shows you how much work it takes to be a parent(biological or not) and especially to love a child who is hard to love.