
Overview
Part mystery, part nostalgic coming-of-age tale, Scott Hicks's lyrical, leisurely film of Stephen King's novel captures the innocence, pain, and confusion of childhood. In one unforgettable summer, a lonely 11-year-old boy is befriended by his mysterious new neighbor. But the man makes clear that he is only passing through, and as the boy grows more and more attached to his new friend, he realizes that the dark forces the man fears aren't just "the boogeyman." Accompanied by a soundtrack filled with fifties pop tunes, Hicks (SHINE, SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS) evokes the timelessness of childhood hand in hand with the innocence of an era, a time when a boy's first new bike was the Holy Grail, and his first kiss was "the one by which all others will be judged--and found wanting." The first-rate cast is headed by Anthony Hopkins, who plays the neighbor with compassion and warmth coupled with an understated sadness, and the young Anton Yelchin, who paints a raw, naked portrait of a lost little boy finding his way as a man. William Goldman (THE PRINCESS BRIDE, MISERY) penned the script, and the film is dedicated to cinematographer Piotr Sobocinski, who died before its release.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Scott Hicks - Director
Anthony Hopkins
Hope Davis
David Morse
Anton Yelchin
Mika Boorem
Will Rothhaar
Dierdre O'Connell
Rachel Brewer
Eric Eggen
Bourke Floyd
Details
- Format: DVD
- Run Time: 101
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 085392208128
- Genre: Drama
- Rating: PG-13 (MPAA) (violence and thematic elements)
- Release Date: February 2002

Movie Reviews
Reviews:
"...Poignant....[Hopkins] does a lovely job with his quietly delivered monologues..." - 09/10/2001 Variety, p.61
"...Hicks gets exemplary performances from his leads....Davis is intriguing..." - 09/28/2001 USA Today, p.4E
"...A pure slice of sentimental comfort food..." - 10/05/2001 Entertainment Weekly, p.111
"...Anthony Hopkins performs with a refreshing lack of fuss....Hope Davis looks like an Edward Hopper portrait made flesh..." - 03/01/2002 Sight and Sound, p.46
