Rating: 
Summary: great
Review: i thought this was pretty good. inever read the book so i cant compare.this movie is sad thopugh but thats not a bad thing. i loved the perfomaces by the leads. alos kerian culkin and erik per sullivan are good as buster and fuzzy.
Rating: 
Summary: All Rules Must Be Broken
Review: There is a lot of debate as to the content of this film and what people say it advocates or makes light of. For instance, the ongoing battle between pro and anti-abortionists. Not every woman in this film has an abortion. Think about the involving circumstances and how tough that choice is to make. Sometimes there is no other choice. If there isn't an abortion, then it is another child waiting to be adopted. It is a sad situation with no way out. There is no benefit to either and this movie only depicts a good Samaritan at work who listens to these desperate women and gives them the choice to give the baby away or to take it away. Then there are the circumstances involving the time period. It was the 1940's, World War II era. To become pregnant out of wedlock and at such a young age (and most of these women could not even be called women yet) meant being disowned and abandoned, left out in the cold. This is something that a girl did not want to face; being ostracized by both family and friends. So they went to a back alley doctor and had the dirty deed done but only to the destruction of their health. This is the point that Dr. Larch makes in the movie when Homer begins to reveal his issues with abortion. "When they don't come to someone who can do it correctly and safely, this is what happens!" he tells him. I will admit that this is a very delicated issue but Michael Caine's character is the ear that is not often lent to all these women, a man for all the men in the world who will listen, understand, sympathize and give them a choice. This is what this film demonstrates, no more and no less.Now that I am past this argument, I wish to express the reasons for my deeply felt connection to this movie and the performances reaped from its distinguished and versatile cast. Tobey Maguire is excellent as Homer Wells, the calm and self-assured protege of Dr. Larch (Caine) who is edified on morality at an early age at St. Cloud's Orphanage and Shelter. The father-son relationship between Homer and Dr. Larch is strongly detected, and like any parent, he pushed Homer to excel in his medical practice, endeavoring by illegal means to validate him as a professional surgeon and general practitioner. Unfazed by Dr. Larch's tenacity, Homer immediately begins to walk his own path when he spots a blonde beauty named Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron), the girlfriend of a WWII lieutenant named Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd) who requests an abortion at St. Cloud's. Upon Candy's and Wally's departure, Homer jumps ship and heads out to unfamiliar territory, attaining employment at Wally's family orchard. From there he learns the delicate art of the cider-making business, the art of social endurance, and the whirlwind of emotion that encompasses true love. Since her radical stints in movies such as "Two Days In The Valley", "The Astronaut's Wife" and "The Devil's Advocate", Charlize Theron has become a recognizable talent in the film industry and is deserving of her critical praise in this literary adaptation of John Irving's timeless novel. She is somewhat dizzy in personality at first impression, but as time goes on, she shows that she is a very sympathetic and heartwarming character despite her obvious flaws (adulterous). Michael Caine as the indomitable Dr. Wilbur Larch is once again in top form, a polished player with an untouchable and keen ability to texture every facet of his character. I was first introduced to his stellar charm and surprising comedic abilities as Lawrence Jamieson, the suave con in 1988's "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels". As for Tobey Maguire, I can only say that he is a work in progress, one that will dominate the field in a matter of years. With his cutesy candor in 1998's warm and fuzzy comedy "Pleasantville" and aside Michael Douglas in 99's "Wonder Boys", he is climbing the ladder of recognition at a solid and steady pace. Little did I know after I watched the film and happened to glance at the credits, I was surprised to learn that two of the smaller roles were dominated by musicians, one of forgotten past and one of proverbial present. Erykah Badu, an R&B crooner with one Grammy to her name so far, proved to be an impressive actress with little or no training as Rose Rose, the daughter of Mr. Rose. In a profoundly smaller role but with a few lines to suffice, Heavy D (a hip-hop presence of the 80's) displays a minute amount of charm as Peaches, a fellow co-worker on the farm. Who I was stirred by the most in the supporting roles department, however, was Delroy Lindo as the loathsome Mr. Rose. His character seems a decent fellow in the beginning but quickly becomes despicable to the audience after his sickening affections for his daughter are revealed. Overall, this film touches base with serious issues, the more pronounced being abortion but incest, adultery and addiction follow closely behind. Despite the numerous faults of each of the characters, they all prove that love is the reason behind their debauched actions. "The Cider House Rules" begs to be understood and appreciated, and there is no argument to how well it presents itself. One of the best films of '99 standing beside "American Beauty", it will reserve itself a place in people's hearts and movie libraries for all time.
Rating: 
Summary: Oddly fulfilling
Review: This movie is really hard to describe. First of all, Michael Caine did a fine job but his performance didn't strike me as oscar caliber. Secondly, the movie seemed a bit to preachy about the pros and cons of abortion. Third, the sex scenes, albeit few, didn't ring true and seemed out of place in a movie such as this. Although it wasn't difficult watching Charlize Theron in the scenes, she just seemed a too worldly wise and mature to be the boyish Tobey Maguire's lover. All that aside, this movie was a very pleasant distraction and was oddly fulfilling. The kids in the orphanage were charming, especially poor little Fuzzy. The rather extensive subplot at the apple farm, though a bit jarring in its content, lent much to the feel of the film. This is an enjoyable film that deals with subjects that aren't so enjoyable. Overall, this is one to watch again and again, and I certainly will.
Rating:
Summary: Good Story ... Moving Film
Review: How did I miss THE CIDER HOUSE RULES when it was playing in the movie theaters? It is a wonderful film. After watching it this weekend, I am now a fan. Michael Cain's performance is remarkable. Toby McGuire is very good too. He achieves success in playing the role of Homer. McGuire is believable when playing scenes that require innocence (i.e. the only movie he's ever seen is KING KONG; he's never been out of the state of Maine). I've read Irving's book, but to be honest, don't have a recollection of it. Therefore, I watched the film version with open eyes and cannot compare it to the novel. However, Irving's writing job on the screenplay is excellent. And it was wonderful to see him win the Academy Award for his efforts. The DVD is done quite well. There is a documentary on the making of the film. It's a little long on scenes from the film -- definitely watch it *after* you watch the movie to avoid spoilers. The cut scenes section is interesting. Usually, once you view the scenes that were cut by the director you agree that they were boring and added nothing to the movie. These scenes were curiously lost: for instance, a scene where the apple-pickers are introduced at dinner; and a scene where the pickers end up on the roof of the cider house -- a specific cider house rule, not to be broken! I really enjoyed and was moved by this film.
Rating:
Summary: MAGNIFICIENT OBSESSION!
Review: This film should have been called, "Magnificent Obsession". It is about love, responsibility, accountability and bending the rules when necessary to save a life. Seen through the eyes of a benevolent Doctor ( Michael Caine) and the children he lovingly protects at an orphanage. We meet them at birth, watch them grow, be adopted, and rejected, perpetually waiting to be selected by a "family." We're given a closeup view of one gifted child "Homer" (Tobey Maguire) as he grows up, and goes out into the world, or at least as far as an apple picking farm and fishing community by the sea to meet his destiny and love (Charlize Theron). He finds that life is beautiful yet harsh, raw , complicated, filled with horrendous moments and decisions. As young Homer says, "sometimes you just sit, watch, do nothing, and sometimes you have to do something!" In fighting to help others, he finds himself, his strength, his power, his "place", his identity. This is a taunt, action packed, graphic, beautiful film. Not preachy, it has humor, tension just life - telling it like it is. I guess they couldn't call it "Magnificient Obsession", because that title was used a long time ago for a Jane Wyman/ Rock Hudson film. "Cider House Rules" has the same quality in both cast and writing. The landscapes of Maine will capture your heart and so will this film.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful and engaging adaptation of Irving's novel
Review: I read "The Cider House Rules" last summer, just as the movie was ending its theatrical run. The novel was one of the best works I had ever read. I couldn't put the book down. I bought the DVD the week after it was released. I had very high expectations of the film considering that Irving wrote the screenplay. I was not let down. Even though I hated seeing such characters as Melony and Angel Wells go, I was still satisfied by the film. The performances were absolutely right. Tobey Maguire was perfect, but the real stars of this film were Michael Caine and Delroy Lindo. My God, their performances were so powerful. They should've both gotten the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. I'm still haunted by the thought of Lindo's Arthur Rose. I loved this film. The basic moral and theme of the novel was kept and the setting was beautiful. In any other year I would've said hands down that this was the Best Picture but there's "American Beauty" to think about, and that's another review.....
Rating: 
Summary: People With No Rules - A Movie With Many Bad Messages
Review: The only rules or morals the characters have in this story are the ones they made up as they went along in their lives. The characters all had experiences which were only made complex through poor personal choices, resulting mostly from a lack of moral courage. There were no noble characters in this story. Showing Michael Caine's figure slowly killing himself on ether, while others know but do nothing, reminded me of the glorification of Nicholas Cage's self-destructive character in "Leaving Las Vegas". What is worse, is that this movie seduces its audience (through beautiful film making) into agreeing with its message that there is no need or benefit to having any consistent or absolute morals in life. Most of the characters had some positive qualities which the film makers used to allow us to be sympathetic to their poor ideals. In the end, even Homer is corrupted - through a wrong relationship, changing his position on abortion, and finally by working under forged credentials. Obviously, the Hollywood establishment used this movie as a platform for its pro-abortion ideals. Great cinematography aside, and some good acting, this is a movie with many bad messages: lie when it makes sense to, performing abortions is not really wrong but helpful, orphans have no real chance at a good life, work professionally under false credentials if you know what you're doing, and have sex before marriage with someone else's girlfriend if it seems right.
Rating:
Summary: CIDER HOUSE RULES--A DVD MUST HAVE!
Review: Okay, the obvious stuff first--The Cider House Rules was the best film of last year. Relentlessly brilliant, incredibly touching. Despite conservative rants, this film IS NOT about abortion, rather the embracing of life. Why the DVD? First, the widescreen gives a sweep that standard formatting doesn't. The commentary is compelling, even though director Lasse Halstrom's accent is occasionally hard to decipher. Him, along with author (and screenplay adapter and Oscar winner) John Irving, add great insight. Note, the director's commentary is the best feature, and HARDEST TO FIND on the menu. They have added the "Television Spots" which is a strange, repetitive journey only for the major time burner. Great chapter index--the best I have seen with small boxed scenes so you know exactly what you're looking for! The featurette is good, but the movie is what is most importantant. Quality films need something better than VHS, and The Cider House Rules is a DVD must have!
Rating:
Summary: Three words: A GREAT MOVIE!
Review: This movie is simply perfect. Great acting by Tobey Maguire (who gets my vote for best new actor), Michael Caine (who definitely deserved that Oscar), Charlize Theron, and all the other actors. The screenplay, by the author of the book (John Irving), is perfect too, bringing the watcher into the world of medicine and abortion (Irving definitely deserved the Oscar). Everything else is flawless about the movie too: the cinematography, art direction, costumes. WOW! If you're building a DVD collection and need some DVD's, buy this one. It's PERFECT!
Rating:
Summary: Hollywood rules
Review: I saw CIDER HOUSE RULES at the movies. Between the publicity at that time, then with its Oscar nominations, and now on Amazon, I have yet to come across anyone saying . . . 1. Isn't everyone getting tired of movie moms being so stupid? Wally's mother has her son's girlfriend Candy fooling around with Homer right under her nose, but she doesn't know it? 2. Homer's fling with Candy proves that, when it's the movies, the guy gets the girl regardless of how much disbelief the audience must suspend. What did he have to offer her that she couldn't get from a guy who didn't look like her little brother? 3. Until I found out Homer and Candy get together in the book version of CIDER HOUSE RULES, I thought their affair was just an excuse to exploit the attractive actress Charlize Theron. 4. CIDER HOUSE RULES was the first film with Michael Caine that I was able to catch at the movies in more than ten years. Great talent always finds its way back on top. As I write this, Michael Caine has appeared in about 90 films. 5. After leaving the orphanage, Homer is the only white person rooming with several black men, but no one so much as blinks? This was 60 years ago, when whites and blacks didn't even drink from the same water fountains. Even today, how many situations do you see where a white person is in the minority, outside of basketball, football, or the latest Tarzan movie? I liked CIDER HOUSE RULES mostly for Michael Caine and the orphanage but, for the above reasons, found the cider house aspect of the story too Hollywood.
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