Probably a bit nostalgic when it comes to this movie. It's from my childhood so seeing this type of movie was a new experience and made an impression. It was one of my favorite movies from my childhood.
However taking the nostalgia goggles off there are things universal about the movie. The performances were amazing. Not only is this movie very well-written, every actor made their character memorable.
Obviously the star of the movie is Brad Renfro. His death is tragic. And reading new articles from 2018 and 2019 makes his life story even more tragic to know he always had a troubled life. He was a great talent. He delivered an amazing performance in this movie, probably one of the best performances ever by a child actor. What makes it even more impressive is that he had no acting experience prior to this movie! Brad steals the show.
All the other actors have memorable performances too. The mob guys are believable as clever meanies who are always close on the trail of Mark, to the witty prosecutor and his team to his smart lawyer who Mark connects with the most. They're all memorable characters with depth and keep you captivated the entire movie.
A great edge of your seat thriller of a smart kid who becomes the target of the mob and is in a continues battle to survive. Not a movie focused on a high body count, but is more focused on realism, something that could actually happen where every action could have serious consequences. With Mark being a street-smart kid who's in a cat and mouse game with the mob and the prosecutor for the survival of him and his family. As someone who works in the legal field, it's interesting to see a bit of legal drama in the movie. Glamorized but also recognizable.
The best part of the movie is the relationship between Mark and Reggie. The movie gives the characters plenty of depth. Everybody got a backstory. Like Mark is a poor kid, his mother can't afford to pay for the hospital bill. The family doesn't have anybody and Mark's lawyer, Reggie understands Mark the most and a great friendship starts. Even though Mark is a very smart kid he needs Reggie who protects him in certain situations.
Overall a movie with great memorable characters, great interactions and keeps you on the edge of your seat. One of my favorites.
However taking the nostalgia goggles off there are things universal about the movie. The performances were amazing. Not only is this movie very well-written, every actor made their character memorable.
Obviously the star of the movie is Brad Renfro. His death is tragic. And reading new articles from 2018 and 2019 makes his life story even more tragic to know he always had a troubled life. He was a great talent. He delivered an amazing performance in this movie, probably one of the best performances ever by a child actor. What makes it even more impressive is that he had no acting experience prior to this movie! Brad steals the show.
All the other actors have memorable performances too. The mob guys are believable as clever meanies who are always close on the trail of Mark, to the witty prosecutor and his team to his smart lawyer who Mark connects with the most. They're all memorable characters with depth and keep you captivated the entire movie.
A great edge of your seat thriller of a smart kid who becomes the target of the mob and is in a continues battle to survive. Not a movie focused on a high body count, but is more focused on realism, something that could actually happen where every action could have serious consequences. With Mark being a street-smart kid who's in a cat and mouse game with the mob and the prosecutor for the survival of him and his family. As someone who works in the legal field, it's interesting to see a bit of legal drama in the movie. Glamorized but also recognizable.
The best part of the movie is the relationship between Mark and Reggie. The movie gives the characters plenty of depth. Everybody got a backstory. Like Mark is a poor kid, his mother can't afford to pay for the hospital bill. The family doesn't have anybody and Mark's lawyer, Reggie understands Mark the most and a great friendship starts. Even though Mark is a very smart kid he needs Reggie who protects him in certain situations.
Overall a movie with great memorable characters, great interactions and keeps you on the edge of your seat. One of my favorites.