David (John Cusack) lost his wife two years ago. He's still struggling with the loss, especially since his wife, Mary, had wanted to adopt a child. Now, David gets the idea that, even though he is single, he will try to make the adoption happen. When he learns of a child named Dennis (Bobby Coleman), David is intrigued. Dennis, an abandoned and abused child, hides in a box and insists he is a Martian child, waiting for his real, alien parents to come and get him. This is a revelation to David, for he, too, was a shy, outcast child who developed elaborate stories, stories that eventually became his bread-and-butter as a leading science fiction writer. But, once Dennis is placed in David's home, the task of "socializing" the little boy enough to satisfy the decrees of the social service agencies becomes daunting. Dennis insists he only can eat Lucky Charms and he steals/borrows from others repeatedly, among other odd behaviors. But, it is painfully obvious that the tiny lad is in a gripping, constant fear that David will abandon him, too. Can David succeed in making Dennis his true son? This is a lovely film, one told with humor and sensitivity. Cusack, a very fine performer, is excellent as the man who opens his heart up to a troubled, scared, discarded-by-others little boy. Coleman is also wonderful as the youngster with a giant imagination. The rest of the cast, Joan Cusack, Howard Hesseman, Amanda Peet, and others fulfill their roles nicely as well. All of the production niceties, such as costumes, sets, and scenery, are more than adequate. Yet, it is the script that is the biggest winner here, laying out a story of bonding, lasting love between a father and a son that can not fail to touch a heart of stone. Do you want to see a film that will bring laughter bubbling up through a dose of tears? March out right now and buy your ticket for the lovely Martian Child.
