LYCOS RETRIEVER 
The Cider House Rules
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The Cider House Rules is a lovely film in many respects. The performances range from very good (Maguire, Rudd, Jane Alexander, and newcomer Erykah Badu as the daughter of Mr. Rose) to excellent (Caine, Lindo, Kathy Baker, Charlize Theron). Its drama is uniformly understated, eliminating the histrionics one might expect from these events and this subject matter. The children are adorably soulful, evoking just the right level of heartwrenching empathy. The cinematography is beautiful, giving this universe a vibrant glow, even in scenes meant to play as harsh or sad. Rachel Portman's score is gooey and insistent, but not offensively so. It complements Hallstrom's tone with absolute precision, which means that it will be embraced or rejected along with the film itself by each individual viewer.
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The acting in The Cider House Rules is terrific, especially Caine, who was robbed of a statue last year for Little Voice. Well, someone was robbed – either him or Bill Murray (Rushmore). As the ether-sniffing doctor, Caine shows genuine love for every child that he cares for, taking the time to name each one as they are born, and reading them stories each night. The line "Goodnight, you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England," which Larch uses as a sign-off to the children every evening before bed, still leaves a lump in my throat when I see the trailer, even though it’s been over two months since I’ve seen the film. Delroy Lindo (A Life Less Ordinary) ... shines in a supporting role as Badu’s father.
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"The Cider House Rules" ... gathers some impressive acting talent for its roster. Caine, who used to be the butt of jokes in the Eighties for taking any sort of role as long as it paid, does a remarkable job of bringing the benevolent Dr. Larch to life. Theron shows much aplomb as Candy with her enthusiastic and sweet performance. Lindo, whose tragic character grows increasingly complex throughout the story, acquits himself quite well. Finally, Maguire, who has become increasingly gifted over his last few films (starting with "The Ice Storm"), skillfully handles the subtle maturation of his character. Though his emoting tends towards being muted in some parts of the film, he is still able to convey Homer's amiability and emotional naïveté, creating a character that the audience can sympathize with.
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Two reviews of the movie, "The Cider House Rules," paint an ugly picture of this Disney/Miramax film. The first review is printed below. The second review, along with several excellent articles on abortion, can be found by clicking on "The New American" web site. Please read both reviews and spread the word to friends and relatives.
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The Cider House Rules is set in rural Maine in the first half of this century. It tells the story of Homer Wells, an orphan who is raised and mentored by Wilbur Larch, the doctor at the orphanage. Dr. Larch teaches Homer everything about medicine. Yet though his capacity for kindness is saintly, Larch is ... an ether addict. He and Homer come into conflict, which is typical of many father-son relationships, but in this case their conflict is intensified by their disagreement about abortion. The result is that Homer leaves the only family he has ever known.
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The Cider House Rules is lovingly directed by Lasse Hallstrom, the director of What's Eating Gilbert Grape and A Life Less Ordinary. The only real narrative is the story of Homer's life; the rest is a series of experiences that Homer lives through. Maguire is perfectly cast as Homer, an innocent young man eager to see the world. In his life, he has never seen the ocean, and only seen one movie. The other actors ... shine in their roles, particularly Caine (whose British accent is nowhere to be found) and Lindo, whose Mr. Rose, while strong, loving and charismatic, is ultimately flawed. Theron redeems herself as an actress after a silly turn in The Astronaut's Wife, and singer Erykah Badu glows in her acting debut as Rose Rose.
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The Cider House Rules