Rating: 
Summary: Is there a point?
Review: Some movies deliberately keep you off-balance, never quite revealing--until the very end--what they're really about. "The Cider House Rules" tops that challenge; it's one of those rare miscalculations that never reveals what it's about at all. It lurches from subplot to subplot, theme to theme, with all the clumsiness of a vagabond who's had one trip too many to the cider barrel--and yet Lassë Hallstrom's touch is so gentle, his direction so graceful, that it's ultimately impossible not to be as moved as you are confused.A chilly Maine orphanage, run by the aging, ether-addicted Dr. Larch (Michael Caine), serves as the film's initial setting. Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire) is a precocious but withdrawn young orphan who demonstrates great potential to be a doctor. When a young couple, Lt.Wally Worthington (Paul Rudd) and Candy Kendall (Charlize Theron) arrive at the orphanage to have their child aborted by Dr. Larch, Homer leaves his home to follow them. He eventually becomes a hired hand at Worthington's apple plantation--and from there, well, suffice it to say that the plot doesn't just thicken, it curdles. "The Cider House Rules" was adapted by John Irving from his own novel, and it's plain to see that the serious issues he tackles were probably given far richer treatment on the page. In a two-hour film, they're forced to compete for your attention. It's not really about orphans (although there are enough cutesy shots of their pinched little faces to make you think so at first), although again, what it really IS about is indeed a profound question. Illicit love, abortion, incest, murder--these are not subjects to give short shrift to, and "The Cider House Rules," frustrated by its own schizophrenic tendencies, never really does full justice to any of them. Even the inevitable explanation of its title is such a hokey, contrived bit of symbolism that it feels like yet another unnecessary appendage. What keeps this film afloat, and makes it far more rewarding than it deserves to be, is the superb cast. Caine won an Oscar for his portrayal of the occasionally cantankerous but genuinely sympathetic doctor, and he shares a remarkable father-son chemistry with Maguire. Also good are Rudd, Theron, and Delroy Lindo as one of the hired hands, although his character is never satisfyingly explored. This being a Hallstrom film, the feel-good sentiment is in full force (although never as cloyingly as in the loathsome "Chocolat"), but this is one time I didn't mind. The music soars, the settings are enough to make you want to go out and be an apple-picker, and dash it all, those orphans ARE pretty darn cute. What a pity Hallstrom couldn't find a more focused narrative to wrap in his warm little blanket.
Rating: 
Summary: Fill in the holes by reading the novel
Review: John Irving, author of the novel, also wrote the screenplay for this film. So it's difficult to say that the film doesn't stay true to the novel. I watched the film before I read the novel, and I could tell there were things missing. For instance, Homer Wells is passionately anti-abortion, but there is no reason given for this. The film is still good though, if you accept some things on faith. It still tells a good story, and it is similar to the one in the novel. I do recommend reading the novel afterwards though. It is different enough to be new and fresh, and also makes the film more enriching.
Rating:
Summary: Unique... and more!
Review: This is a very unique movie... to me it is a one of a kind! Here are the major points I admired: 1. First, the actors were very convincing. Their facial expressions, emotions and interactions were brilliant. I loved the most the acting of Tobey Maguire, he face was perfect for the character of Homer. 2. The story is a mix between the daily life of adorable orphans, father figure and a light love story. 3. I admired the on going sacrifices of the Doctor he made to the orphans and his sincere feelings. The only issue that I'd stay against is the abortion concept in the film. But if you take it as a part of the story, you'd love it. I recommend watching this movie..! But I assume the book would be much more fascinating.
Rating:
Summary: Good point, Good acting, deserved awards
Review: There are some movies that are so good, you can only watch them once. This is one such movie. I loved it. It makes you think about abortion and several other issues. I was kind of jaded by the ended though.... The only bad thing in this movie, is the inevitable 10 mintue long scene where you can either fast forward or stare at the naked butt of Charlize theron, so I only gave it 4 stars.
Rating:
Summary: A good movie, but...
Review: This movie presents some subtle (or maybe not so subtle) messages about abortion. That troubled me. Like when Homer Wells (the lead character) asks Dr. Larsh about a young woman who dies during a botched, amatuer abortion, Dr. Larsh responds, "secrecy killed her." The movie has many such moments. There is an underlying moral message you're not going to agree with if you're pro-life. That said, there is some great acting and an interesting story-line and sub-plots and history, too. There is a scene where orphans longingly stare at the windows, hoping there is a parent in their future. Both my stoic husband and I wept like children when we saw that scene. And the movie powerfully shows how much good a handful of loving adults can accomplish for an orphanage full of unwanted children. The relationship between the children and the adults at St. Cloud's Orphanage is very precious and has roots in unconditional love that go very deep. I think that was my favorite part. It's a good flick - I wouldn't say it's the best movie ever - but it has a lot of redeeming qualities. I'd recommend it for adults. I think the themes are a little too much for children under 15 - in my maternal opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but not the best.
Review: Though I haven't read the novel yet, I am planning to. I feel that there was some information missing from the screenplay that didn't allow me to feel like the story was real. I generally liked the idea of the film. It was well-acted. Tobey Maguire was wonderful, as always, but, something was lacking. I can't quite put my finger on it. I would recommend watching the film, but don't expected a masterpiece, as I did. It was interesting to watch Homer's ideals change after having left a sheltered environment. That was one of the more well-developed plot-lines. However, something just didn't sit right with me.
Rating:
Summary: Nicely done and highly recommended
Review: The Cider House Rules Score: 78/100 After winning two Academy Awards and been nominated for 5 more, The Cider House Rules became one of my many must-see's, and while I personally think it didn't deserve such Academy praise, The Cider House Rules is pretty much a great film, and while I can think of a lot better movies that came out in it's year, this is nonetheless a watchable and nicely played-out little flick from Swedish director Lasse Hallstrom. Homer (Tobey Maguire) is an orphan in remote St. Cloud, Maine. Never adopted, he becomes the favourite of orphanage director Dr. Larch (Michael Caine), who imparts his full medical knowledge on Homer, who becomes a skilled, albeit unlicensed, physician. But Homer yearns for a self-chosen life outside the orphanage. When Wally (Paul Rudd) and pregnant Candy (Charlize Theron) visit the orphanage Dr. Larch provides medically safe, albeit illegal, abortions Homer leaves with them to work on Wally's family apple farm. Wally goes off to war, leaving Homer and Candy alone together. What will Homer learn about life and love in the cider house? What of the destiny that Dr. Larch has planned for him? I found The Cider House Rules to be marvellous the first time round, I would of given it perhaps a 92/100 rather than the 78/100 score I have just recently lowered it to. I found a lot of flaws in the film, it's sometimes boring and a little corny at times, but it remains a dramatically moving piece of work with excellent direction from the Oscar-nominated Hallstrom. Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron are superbly cast as the two movie-lover's dripping closer and closer, while Michael Caine, if not quite as good as fellow Oscar nominee's, still put in a hearty and believable performance as the caring Dr. Larch. Another big bonus is the piano score, which is brilliantly played by Rachel Portman and friends, and is an exceptional score, which suits the movie perfectly. Highly recommended and nicely setout, The Cider House Rules is a critically acclaimed piece of work that truly deserves its praise.
Rating:
Summary: A movie that is certainly of use
Review: This movie adapts John Irving's novel of the same name - indeed, Irving provided the script. Add to this the directorship of Lasse Halstrom, who has not turned out a bad movie in my opinion, meant I looked forward to seeing this - but somehow managed not to see it at the movies. Now having watched it, I remain very happy with the movie. The script is an excellent, if abridged, version of the novel and the cast perform wonderfully under Hallstrom's direction. The story is a reasonably slow-moving, character-driven one. The focus of the story is on children and growing up, the support they receive and the perils they face. The lead character, Homer Wells is brilliantly portrayed by Tobey Maguire, who didn't necessarily look like I imagined Homer would but his acting brought the character to life for me. Michael Caine as Dr Larch is also fantastic. While not a movie for everyone (there are some quite confronting parts), it is an engrossing and emotional journey which I believe worth your while.
Rating:
Summary: A Nice Attempt
Review: There is much to like about this film, a fine score, terrific cinematography, and a warm, humane sense of forgiveness at its core... but ultimately, it falls short due to the mismatched pair of actors at the center of the film--sorry, I am pretty good at leaving cynicism at the door for movies (loved The Natural, for instance, despite its flaws)but I could not buy Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron's characters together... ultimately, this pairing prevented me from accepting this world that was offered, otherwise I'd raise it to 4 stars
Rating:
Summary: near excellent film
Review: The acting, scenery, dialog, technical effects of this film deserve the highest of kudos. I only add my "two cents" as a cinema perfectionist. One flaw grabbed hold of me and caused a slight distraction. Because of my age and the area of my upbringing, ie. southern california, I know that the drive-in movie did not come about until 1949 and certainly not earlier in coastal maine. So, the scenes at the drive-in should have been reasearched a little further. Other than that, a very, very fine movie. Caine was supurbe, if, for no other reason, how he managed to supplant his delighful cockney accent with the new englander non-accent that he chose to use.
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