Search - The Mighty on DVD

Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL
Reviewed on 4/8/2021...

One of the BEST movies of the decade! Talk about a sleeper. Sharon Stone didn't have a big part in it so I guess Hollywood overlooked this GREAT movie, but it should be on your "to watch" list. Not only a wonderful storyline, but the two boys (main characters) were EXCELLENT.

This is a must-see for any kid that is getting bullied or is a bully, but it's also a heartwarming story for adults.

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 7/10/2018...

Beautiful movie. This film was a sleeper at the box office...and one of the greatest films no one has ever heard of. Also an excellent example of actors used to full potential in a production. And the most domestic role I've witnessed Sharon Stone in. Beautiful family movie. Turns me into a sobbing puddle of humanity every time. I'll try not to give too many spoilers away here...
There's this scene towards the end where (learning disabled) Max walks out his front door to discover that his friend Kevin is being hauled off in an ambulance after dying of Morquio's Syndrome. In a panic, Max runs through the snow and into this factory, raving like a lunatic that a big mistake has been made and they were supposed to get his friend a new body. (Why does this happen? You'll just have to watch the movie...)

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Julia R. (julia) from GERMANTOWN, MD
Reviewed on 9/6/2009...

A keeper.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Learning Disabled Students Can Relate

02/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My class of fifteen "learning disabled" students read the book "Freak the Mighty". These are at risk students who for the most part, could care less about reading anything. They absolutely loved the book! Every day at bell time I would hear, "No, we can't stop here!" Some even wanted to take the book home and read ahead! While watching the film, I noticed some 6th grade boys with tears in their eyes and the girls were simply dissolved in tears. This is a wonderful movie for people of all ages but particularly for those kids who sometimes feel like they walk in Max and Freak's footsteps every day. We also read the sequel, "Max the Mighty" and found it equally as absorbing. We are hoping there is a movie sequel! Thank you Rodman Philbrick for writing such a beautiful,memorable story! Kudos to the cast of "The Mighty" for their performances. I intend to buy a copy for myself and several for gifts."

The once and future...Freak the Mighty!

Lori L. Graham | Whittier, CA USA | 07/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"How in the HELL did this movie get lost in theatres? Why didn't every critic in America tell the world to see it? I remember when I first heard that this book, FREAK THE MIGHTY (by Rodman Philbrick), was going to be made into a movie and that Gillian Anderson was going to play a small role. Well, I went ahead and read the book because (a) I'm an X-Files fan, and (b) I wanted to know what so drew her to the project that she was willing to play a less than a major role. The book just tore me apart-- it wasn't just that I'd been a misfit myself in my youth, but the fact that it dealt with sometimes amazing, sometimes painful situations in such a clear-eyed way, never pandering to or underestimating the intelligence of the reader.This film, while not adhering to the book to the letter (but damned close) kept the SPIRIT of the book intact, and for that I credit not only the director and screenwriter but the cast. Everyone involved seems to be most concerned with truth-- not is it dramatic, is it sad, is it funny, but is it HONEST?While I credit all involved parties with making this film work so well, I have to say that NONE of it would have worked had it not been for the two leads, Elden Hensen and Kieran Culkin. These two ASTOUNDING young men are so utterly concerned with their characters as human beings that there is not a single false note in either performance. Going in, Culkin has an additional challenge/handicap-- the wiseacre type honed by his brother Macauley might well have been expected here, given the no-apologies intelligence that characterizes Kevin/Freak. But Culkin has no interest in just getting laughs-- he seems entirely aware that there are more important treasures to be had from this material. That's not to say that there aren't moments that make you smile or yes, laugh, but they happen through the comedy of CHARACTER, not situation. There are no cheap emotions on the screen, nor do they try to elicit them from the viewer. When you laugh and cry at this movie, it is because you feel a PART of the proceedings, not that this is something put in front of you merely to entertain. It is obvious why such stellar actors (Anderson, Sharon Stone, Harry Dean Stanton, Gena Rowlands, James Gandolfini) were drawn to this project-- there is more than enough well-drawn, intelligent material to go around, even to the smallest of roles. I also felt that the film improved on the novel by giving it a bit more an ending; the book just kind of STOPPED, and I was glad to see a bit more resolution. These characters deserved it.I give the film 4 stars rather than 5 because of (a) the all-too-real violence and threatened violence seems jarring at times (as it did in the book as well) and (b) the lack of extras on this edition (a truncated behind the scenes featurette and NO commentary tracks, which is positively CRIMINAL given the talent involved).So even though neither the film nor the presentation (although the music video by Sting is kind of fun) is perfect, do NOT let that dissuade you from seeing this film. You will not see its like again soon."

Buy This Film Now!

Charles E. Little | Honolulu, Hawaii | 08/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had seen the theatrical trailer for this film when the working title was "Freak the Mighty." I suppose someone thought the term 'freak" to be deragatory; however, after seeing this sleeper, I'd be proud if someone thought I had those rare and wonderful characteristics Kieran Culkin's character, "Freak," displayed in this film. I don't ever remember this movie coming to Honolulu (so much for the "Coming soon to a theater near you" slogan!), but I was thrilled when it was released on DVD. I rented, and sat at home alone watching it one evening after work. I rented it again three days later when my girlfriend was over so she could see it, and loved it even more the next time. I've ordered the DVD from Amazon (it should be here tomorrow!), and plan on sharing it with as many of my friends as possible. This is as touching and heartwarming a film as I've seen in years. It is destined to become a classic -- it has lessons that all our children should learn, hopefully before they're too old to be shaped by the story. With little violence, almost no foul language, a marvelous soundtrack (featuring the title song by Sting) and an outstanding ensemble cast, you cannot go wrong with this film. It is destined to become on of my all-time favorites."