The Kid & I

I saw 3 new movies this weekend (12/3/05), and of them all The Kid And I was the best. This one is from the heart, and the only recent movie you could say that about. It's based on the true experience of Tom Arnold (who appeared with Arnold Schwarzenneger and Jamie Lee Curtis in True Lies) with a young neighbor, Eric Gores, who has cerebral palsy. In the fictionalized movie, Arnold plays out-of-work actor Bill Williams (who also appeared in True Lies), about to commit suicide when his agent (Henry Winkler) tells him millionaire Joe Montegna (Searching For Bobby Fisher) offered half a million dollars to make a movie co-starring his son (Gores), who, like the actor playing him, has cerebral palsy.

You could tell the film was made with a relatively low budget (occasionally imperfect lighting, for instance), and Arnold's script has a few corny clichés, but on the whole it's original, imaginative, somewhat poignant, and as funny as most comedies out this year. What's more, the film is both entertaining for adults and appropriate for the whole family, with a minimum of the crude humor that permeates most of the other funny movies I've seen this year.

As an added bonus there are a number of cameo appearances by big stars. If you liked Arnold in The Stupids, this one doesn't have quite as much silly humor, but on balance is just as good. Heartily recommended for the whole family.

Some of the reviews indicate that the reviewers did not realize that Gores had been Tom Arnold's neighbor, and this is the film that Gores made. Art is life in this case. Fifteen years later it is not that important, I know.

The film is uneven in places. Tom Arnold is not a great actor. He and Richard Edson do not make a great comedy team, but the film works because of the chemistry he has with the kid, Eric Gores. Roger Ebert said he didn't know until the film was over whether or not Gores really had cerebral palsy. You should not know going in because it makes a big difference. The opening blurb says that it's mostly true, which is true, but not in the way that most true films are true. ("The Kid and I" IS "True Lies".) The featurette about how the film came about is great. Overall, I agree with Roger Ebert: the film accomplishes what it set out to do. I recommend it. It would also be a stretch to call it PG-13. I've seen far grittier fare on network television.

"The Kid & I" is a heartwarming comedy film released in 2005, directed by Penelope Spheeris. Despite its relatively low profile, this hidden gem offers an entertaining and touching cinematic experience.

The film follows the story of Aaron Roman (played by Eric Gores), a young man with cerebral palsy who dreams of becoming an action movie star. When billionaire Bill Williams (played by Tom Arnold) offers Aaron the opportunity to star in his own action film, Aaron's life takes an unexpected turn.

What sets "The Kid & I" apart is its unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments. While the premise may seem unconventional, the film handles Aaron's disability with sensitivity and respect, avoiding stereotypes and instead focusing on his determination and courage to pursue his dreams.

Tom Arnold delivers a standout performance as Bill Williams, bringing humor and warmth to the role of a wealthy eccentric with a heart of gold. His unlikely friendship with Aaron forms the emotional core of the film, providing touching moments of camaraderie and mutual support.

The supporting cast, including Linda Hamilton, Henry Winkler, and Joe Mantegna, adds depth and charm to the story, contributing to the film's overall appeal. Their interactions with Aaron and Bill provide both comedic relief and poignant insights into the complexities of human relationships.

Despite its lighthearted tone, "The Kid & I" also tackles important themes such as acceptance, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness. Through Aaron's journey, the film delivers a powerful message about overcoming obstacles and embracing one's true self, resonating with audiences of all ages.

In addition to its compelling story and strong performances, "The Kid & I" features well-executed action sequences, impressive production values, and a catchy soundtrack, enhancing the viewing experience.

While "The Kid & I" may not have received widespread recognition upon its release, it remains a hidden gem worth discovering. With its blend of humor, heart, and inspiring storytelling, the film offers an uplifting and enjoyable cinematic experience that will leave viewers with a smile on their faces long after the credits roll.

I loved this film!! But I still thought it could have a better direction and acting. Great actors, but it seemed like they were making a student film. Using Arnold and Jamie to attract viewers was a low blow, and they didn't have any significant part in the movie. I can't think of a reason why the governor of California would do that. But besides all that, it's great if you can connect to the message it leaves us. The one goof I saw and that is not on the movie page, is when Bonnie (Brenda Strong) is talking to Bill (Tom Arnold) at the movie theatre. When she gets close to him, she's wearing a pair of black shoes. And when she leaves with the family, you can clearly see she's barefooted. Anyway, watch it, and enjoy! It's worth the time and the money.