What's the nature of being a parent and of being a child? David is a widower grieving for two years. He writes science fiction and was considered weird as a boy. He meets Dennis, a foster child who claims to be on a mission from Mars, stays in a large box all day, fears sunlight, and wears a belt of flashlight batteries so he won't float away. David takes the six-year-old home on a trial. His sister and his wife's best friend offer support, but the guys are basically alone to figure this out. Dennis takes things, is expelled, and is coached by David in being normal. Will the court approve the adoption, and will Dennis stay? Can a man become a father and a child become a son? Written by
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Plot Synopsis:
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Science fiction writer, David Gordon (John Cusack) is feeling alone after losing his wife two years earlier. David is weighing the possibility of adopting a six-year old orphan boy named Dennis (Bobby Coleman). There is only one thing that may prevent the adoption from happening, and that is Dennis believes he is from the planet Mars. David's sister, Liz (Joan Cusack), tries to talk him out of adopting a child, because he doesn't know the first thing about parenting and this child is over the line and very strange. David has made up his mind and wants to be a father to this strange Martian child. David is having so much fun being a parent that he has stop writing and is about to miss his next book deadline. His agent Jeff (Oliver Platt) tries to bring David back to earth, but David is thinking about Mars more and more. David is letting Dennis be himself, and he is caught up in the fantasy of Dennis actually being from Mars. Whatever the truth, David has changed for the better, and now he has learned how to be a loving and caring parent.

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OliverGbyrne from Neverland
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I work in a cinema so I'm in the perfect job not to miss any film releases including minor ones like this film. I call this film a "minor" release because it was not advertised much, just a trailer here and there but it's the type of film that make me happy to work at a cinema otherwise i would have miss out on this little treasure of a film. The story is simple , a lonely widower, also a sci-fi best selling author , adopt a child who lives in a world of his own were he convinced himself that he's a Martian who was sent to earth to study the human race. The child's rather strange, he hates the sun and doesn't smile often. At first the writer he's not sure if he's up to the task to bring up a child with such big issues but little by little he realized that he was the perfect match for the boy. In a world were we have countless film about fart jokes and people getting tortured to death , I found "Martian Child" to be a breath of fresh air. It's a sweet film without being corny. The acting is great all around.John Cusack his wonderful as always but its the young Bobby Coleman who plays Dennis the young boy who's the real star of this film he is great but also likable and god knows how this sort of character could have turned out in the wrong child actor's hands. Joan Cusack bring much of the comic moments in this film and it's nice to see her with her real life brother , I love that woman , she always add something to any film she's in. The most interesting aspect of this film is seeing the character of Dennis progression throughout the film , from a troubled boy to a happy kid , it was really well done. Somme people might found this film "overly sentimental" but I believe it's because we live in a cynical world and a film like Martian child stand out more in a time when we are not used to see a film that doesn't show violence or gross out humor. The main purpose of the film is to introduced us to two character , make us love them and see them grow together and it does a more then decent job at that. I would recommend this film to anyone who has enough of a open mind to accept a film that just wants to grab hold of our heart for 1 hour and 45 minutes. I think this film is a nice little gem and I don't care about all the critics that found it just too sentimental.For the full duration of the film I was interested by the characters and at the end I was happy for them and thats all I ask for a film , that the character are involving.

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pdwebbsite from United States
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Martian Child will be one of those quiet movies that many people won't see. Those who don't see it will miss it. I can understand why it's sitting quiet: not much promotion, and who would it appeal to? There is no CGI, no car chases, no undue violence, only a brief kiss, and the movie isn't partof a trilogy. People who want plot that is not cliched, and meaningful dialogue will search the movie out. It's aimed at the heart, and touches the emotions. It makes a person realize how important it is to have people in your life who will never, ever, ever, ever give up on you. Even when it looks like you are from Mars. John Cusack is not an actor I am drawn to, yet this movie changed my mind. He has depth, wit, and range I hadn't noticed before. Even if the movie doesn't get wild acclaim, it has a quiet understatement that I hope gets noticed. We all need to belong, and have at least one person believe in us.

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mgoldhamer from United States
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What would be different about a child from the planet Mars than one born on Earth? No one knows, since for all practical reasons no one has ever meet a Martian Baby. David (John Cusack) a widowed science fiction writer, with writer's block decides to find out, by adopting an unwanted boy. The boy, Dennis, (Bobby Coleman) outwardly acts as if he is a child from our closest celestial neighbor, the planet Mars. David and Dennis appear well suited for each other because they are both living apart from society. David does so by living alone and writing science fiction novels up until the present time of his wife's death, now he is just alone. Dennis, avoids contact with everyone by taking on the guise of the child from Mars, an alien, a stranger, who acts differently than the norm, and therefore society avoids confrontation with what is unusual. This screenplay is adult in nature because it deals with issues that are unpleasant and upsetting. Taking on the responsibility of rearing an unwanted child, alone, having never actually been a parent, and never knowing if the love you give is going to be returned is a huge step! This is a film that will be appreciated by a very small audience. One must first be able to get past self indulgence and reach a certain level of maturity before one can consider taking on the total responsibility of another life form. Director Menno Meyies has created a very strong bond between David and Dennis in their scenes throughout his film. Unfortunately most of the people on this planet will never see their performances. Go out of your way, go alone if you must, but go see the Martian Child. If you are a parent it will remind you of raising your own children, if you are not yet a parent it will remind you of the childhood you had and the experience of raising your own Martian Child yet to come!

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Richard from U.S.
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I was able to catch this film during a sneak preview a few weeks back. I really had no idea what the film would be about given I hadn't seen many trailers and only knew elements of the story from the synopsis I read of it on Rotten Tomatoes. So I went in with a pretty clean slate.

The film jumps right into things and doesn't really take a lot of pit stops. It charges forward with the story and I think that is the thing I appreciated the most about it. We are not weighted down with too much subplot and extraneous emotional scenes. We are given exactly what we need to form a connection with all the characters.

The film is changed some from the book that it is based on. Mainly that the lead character played by John Cusack is a widower rather than homosexual. In the end, it really doesn't matter the sexuality of the Cusack character, the connection he creates with his son is fantastic to watch develop. They are the same, though different in that one is grounded in reality and the other up in Mars some where. Both are individuals in a world that doesn't want different, the want everyone to do exactly as they are expected to.

Loved the film, will be a definite purchase come DVD time.

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zoe_washburn from United States
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With John Cusack, I have found great performances and amazing films, as well as movies that left a lot to be desired. This movie was perhaps one of his best films and most satisfying performances since "Say Anything..." in 1989. This film had perfect juxtaposition which is on the same standard as "Little Miss Sunshine." The movie hits you hard, makes you think, and just as it's about to make you cry--something outrageously funny happens and you are laughing too hard to even think of crying. Bobby Coleman is perfect in his role--quirky, poignant, and subtly portrays a character that many children would over-act, giving Dennis the credibility and relatablity that he deserves. His performance is reminiscent of Johnny Depp in "Benny and Joon," and this young boy will win just as many hearts. Both leading actors portray their characters perfectly and work so amazingly well together that their performances are seamless. This movie is one of the best I have seen in a long time. It is truly a work of universal mastery.

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anest from United States
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I watch an average of 4 movies a week and this is the best film I have seen this year and makes my top 5 of all time list. This is movie making at its best. Everything could not be better, acting, direction, screenplay, casting, music, everything! As a parent the joys and hard parts of parenting were insightfully, thoughtfully and accurately presented, both humorously and straightforwardly as context required. Sences of joy and heartbreak are both delivered without overstatement. The theme of abandonment struck a strong chord in me that had not been touched for sometime and provided some new and healing insight to an old wound. Thank-you to everybody involved with making this movie, you have just made the world a better place.

Sincerely, Chris Anest

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michaelowen-222 from United Kingdom
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Martian Child is a unique movie that you will not only find emotional but very true! The movie is intelligent, funny and loving with some of the finest acting from both John Cusack and Bobby Coleman. It is a mix between Big Daddy and K-Pax but without doubt has more intelligence and emotion than those two movies! Both Cusack and Coleman form a bond that is so strong and loving, you actually shed tears throughout the movie! It is a great film and i am sure that when it is release it will do well at the box office like all of Cusacks movies! Its a feel good piece of art and one of the best of the year! The movie will make you want to hold your children and enjoy life, it has a Disney feel but is so intelligent that you admire the director and the actors.

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jon.h.ochiai (jochiai@socal.rr.com) from Los Angeles, CA
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While walking with his sister Liz (Joan Cusack) in the park, widower David Gordon (John Cusack) confesses, "I just want my life to have meaning..." I think what David really is talking about is a personal legacy. David is considering adopting Dennis (Bobby Coleman), a strange little boy who spends his days in card board box with cut out holes. Oh yes, and Dennis believes he is from Mars. He is here on earth to study "human being-ness". This is the conceit of Director Menno Meyjes's "Martian Child". The screenplay by Seth Bass and Jonathan Tolins is based on the novel by David Gerrold. "Martian Child" really flew under the movie radar. I had heard about it earlier in the year, and got the gist of the story. Being a fan of John Cusack and Amanda Peete, I was curious to see the "Martian Child". More curious was the lack of fan fare or promotion associated with the movie. "Martian Child" plays much like an independent film, except for its talented named cast. "Martian Child" is reminiscent of "K-Pax" with Jeff Bridges and Kevin Spacey. Where "K-Pax" crumbled despite noble intentions with its horrendously ambiguous ending, "Martian Child" has a distinct conclusion without the pretense or ambition. "Martian Child" is not a great movie. However, for what it is—it is satisfying. Meyjes's "Martian Child" is a sentimental tear jerker that is so very earnest and sweet. John Cusack is amazing.

John Cusack plays David Gordon, a successful science fiction writer. His best selling book is in production as a big budget Hollywood movie. David's agent Jeff (neurotic Oliver Platt) desperately pleads with David to finish his book sequel draft. Their publisher Mimi (Anjelica Huston) anxiously awaits the draft, so she can throw a coming out party in 6 weeks. That is a little wacky. David's wife and the love of his life died two years ago, and since then much of his life is on hold. He lives in a great home with his dog, Somewhere. David's best friend is the beautiful and radiant Harlee (Amanda Peete)—his wife's sister. This makes for a dicey storyline, given the way things usually evolve in these situations. Amanda Peete is great here. She has a naturalness and ease.

David gets a call from his social worker friend Sophie (Sophie Okonedo). Obviously David has reservations about a boy in a box who thinks he's from Mars. Sophie reassures, "You write about Mars." Thus, the experiment begins. David brings Dennis to his home on a trial basis. Dennis wears sun block and sunglasses to counteract being on a planet closer to the sun than Mars. He also wears a weight belt so as not to float away. And Dennis only eats Lucky Charms—which are magically delicious.

David struggles his way through, and begins to really see Dennis. Dennis reminds him of his younger outsider self. David also starts wondering whether Dennis is really who he says he is following meaningful coincidences at a Cubs baseball game, and Dennis's apparent ability to taste color. This seems like a clumsy narrative device.

What eventually wins over "Martian Child" is the brilliant chemistry between John Cusack and Bobby Coleman. There is an inspired moment when Dennis and David gaze above at the stars. Coleman as Dennis embodies the right awkwardness and innocence. He touchingly asks David "Is it good to be like everyone else?" John Cusack is funny, frustrated and nobly compassionate as David evolves into a caring father. In a moving scene he tells Dennis, "There is nothing you can do to change the way I feel about you…" Cusack commands the story's humanity and underlying strength.

We all want to make a difference in life. And we all want to able to love and be loved—that is what it is to be human. "Martian Child" ultimately celebrates our humanity.

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Dorian Tenore-Bartilucci (dtb) from Whitehall, PA
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Humor and heart blend well in MARTIAN CHILD (MaCh), adapted by Seth Bass and Jonathan Tolins from science fiction writer David Gerrold's real-life story (except that gay David Gerrold is portrayed here as straight widower David Gordon) of adopting a little boy who'd been mistreated and abandoned so many times, he'd come to believe he was from Mars. As funny and winsome as it is poignant, MaCh is one of the few films about an unconventional family life that doesn't pile on eccentricity for eccentricity's own sake, showing that it's possible to build a happy life and learn to love others despite the personal flaws and developmental/emotional issues of everyone involved. I loved the rapport and chemistry between David and his adopted son Dennis, portrayed endearingly by the ever-appealing John Cusack (reuniting with his MAX director Menno Meyjes) and young Bobby Coleman. It made me think of the scene in GROSSE POINTE BLANK with Cusack's Martin Blank holding a baby, looking at it with this delightful mixture of puzzlement and wonder. (Could that baby have grown up to be Dennis? :-)). The life of a science fiction writer gets some good-natured ribbing, too, in scenes where David has to deal with his agent (Oliver Platt, reuniting with Cusack after his scene-stealing turn in THE ICE HARVEST. Now that Cusack's longtime bud and co-star Jeremy Piven has a steady gig with TV's ENTOURAGE, has Platt become Cusack's new Piven? :-)) and his publisher (I won't spoil the wonderful cameo). Joan Cusack also turns up to provide able support for her bro as David's married sister, full of harried yet sage advice: "The thing about kids is, they keep coming at you." In fact, her family scenes often cracked me up, like her admonishment to her rambunctious boys (or as she affectionately calls them, "Omen One and Omen Two"): "Get off that dog! He's 200 years old in human years. Would you do that to Grandma?" I loved her husband's attitude: "Hey, all kids are from Mars. At least your kid admits it." Although MaCh takes time to have fun even when things get serious (loved David and Dennis's Martian walk/dance to the Guster song "Satellite") and is generally upbeat, with quite a bit of gentle humor, it doesn't shy away from showing the difficulties of adopting an emotionally scarred child, with the frustration and sadness inherent in such a situation. Having adopted our niece after my mother-in-law died, I can tell you from personal experience that picking up in the middle of raising somebody else's child is a challenge even in the best of circumstances, and MaCh captures this aspect well. It also shows that parents, especially those of us raising kids with special needs, often walk a fine line between accommodating a kid's genuine needs and being overly if well-meaningly indulgent. We've adapted David's advice to Dennis for our own child, who was diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome: "When you're at home, it's okay to be from Mars. But when you're out in the world, you have to follow Earth rules." Perhaps you have to have experience in these kind of family situations to best appreciate MaCh (I've noticed that real-life parents tend to appreciate it more than, say, professional film critics :-)). MARTIAN CHILD should be required viewing for unconventional parents of children with emotional or developmental issues and other serious problems. By the way, when I saw MaCh in our local multiplex, there were a number of parents seeing the film with kids (not tiny tykes, but elementary school age and older), and they all seemed to enjoy it, too.

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luismoro-1 from United States
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As a father/parent with five kids, I highly recommend all guardians of life see Martian Child. I'm personally a better person and have expanded my acceptance of others self-expression. We should all find, our voices and release the Martian Child within us. This is a special singular film in this CGI era. (FYI: I love CGI.) Martian Child balances out product driven entertainment with straight, direct to the soul, honest entertainment. This film has given me, the gift to give my own children much more room to be free, self-expressed and accepted exactly the way they are, and the way they are not. My wife is also enjoying the benefits. If they only knew, I'm simply seeing them as my Martian Child. See it, and find your inner Martian. Luis Moro, Never hide.

David Gerrold, the author the book, adopted a son as an openly-gay man. In his novella, the sexuality of the protagonist is not disclosed, but in his novel, he is identified as gay. In the Hollywood movie version, the protagonist is straight (with a female love interest), causing some criticism from some members of the gay community nationwide.
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The full name of 'John Cusack''s character is David Gordon, this is the same last name as his character Rob Gordon in High Fidelity (2000).
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Author David Gerrold publicly distanced himself from this adaptation of his novel after his screenplay was rejected by the studio. He publicly rejected the final film for deviating too far from the source novel, especially in regard to making the main character a straight man with a girlfriend instead of a bachelor with no love interest.
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Director Jerry Zucker was brought in to shoot new footage, according to Patrick Goldstein in the Los Angeles Times on 10 August 2007.
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The name of Joan Cusack's character (Liz) is the same one as of her character in High Fidelity (2000), which also features her brother John Cusack in the lead role.
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An early novel by screenwriter David Gerrold was called "When H.A.R.L.I.E. was One." Amanda Peet plays a character named Harlee.
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John Cusack would once again team with Amanda Peet and Oliver Platt in the disaster movie 2012 (2009).
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One of the key themes in this film is the search for identity. John Cusack and Amanda Peet both starred in Identity (2003).
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When David and Dennis were in the grocery store Dennis stopped and stood next to a stack of Mars bars boxes. Dennis claims to be from Mars.
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boy|flashlight|sunlight|best friend|belt|writer|friend|adoption|widower|measuring tape|animated end credits|zen|interview|tv show|sunroof|breaking a dish|ketchup|buddha statue|vacuum cleaner|driver's license|runaway|underwater scene|bowling|sense of taste|lucky charm|grocery store|snail|lizard|notebook|nuts|water lily|painting|hot dog|traffic jam|stuffed bear toy|school|jungle gym|binoculars|policeman|yogi|playground|soccer|film set|ultraviolet ray|mother son relationship|death of wife|swimming pool|birthday|flowers|popsicle|umbrella|abandonment|emotional abuse|playing catch|ball|rain|time lapse photography|sun|star|christmas present|christmas lights|christmas tree|thief|golf cart|golf|haircut|barber shop|reading|night light|suitcase|friendship|girl|voice over narration|hanging upside down|death of dog|death|telephone call|mobile phone|gravity|flash camera|photograph|uncle nephew relationship|bullying|bully|basketball|computer|tears|crying|eating|food|planet|solar system|planetarium|christmas|food fight|love|kiss|family relationships|tombstone|elementary school|cereal|adopted son|box office flop|aunt nephew relationship|writers block|weird behavior|theft|thanksgiving|thanksgiving dinner|teacher|sunscreen|sunglasses|stealing|polaroid camera|photographer|party|outcast|missing child|mars the planet|manuscript|lecture|helicopter|foster home|expelled from school|code of behavior|camera|book|book party|alien language|agent|grave|graveyard|dead wife|wish|traffic light|social worker|small town|single father|runaway child|police officer|pacific northwest|literary agent|ledge|sci fi filmmaking|death of pet|cemetery|brother sister relationship|cardboard box|baseball|author|social outcast|science fiction author|reality vs fantasy|publisher|orphanage|observatory|neologism|imagination|grief|father son relationship|eccentricity|dog|child psychologist|adult child bonding|child abandonment|real life siblings as fictional siblings|based on novel|based on true story|

AKAs Titles:


Certifications:
Argentina:Atp / Australia:M / Australia:PG (DVD rating) / Canada:G (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Quebec) / Canada:PG (Ontario) / Finland:K-7 / Germany:6 / Malaysia:U / Netherlands:6 / New Zealand:PG / Portugal:M/12 / Singapore:PG / South Africa:PG / South Korea:All / Sweden:7 (DVD rating) / Taiwan:GP / USA:PG (certificate #42287)