Rating: 
Summary: Cider House Rules
Review: The acting was fine. The plot was decent. However, it was interesting to see that while the movie encouraged breaking the rules, at the same time it had a very definate political agenda that it wanted the audience to agree with.Also troubling - the abortions that happen in the film cause no emotional stress for the women who have them. This simply does not reflect what we know experientially to be true. And further - the film suggests that it is acceptable to lie to children in order to protect them from emotional strain. The film was fine, I supposed, but the message disgusted me.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful adaptation -- masterful restraint
Review: Movies-from-books often leave one feeling cold, either they try to stuff too much information in too short a time-period, or they combine characters or change plot points. This movie stayed true to the book, most likely because John Irving himself wrote the screenplay from his own novel. After reading the book, I appreciate the movie even more. The most important elements of the novel were chosen and beautifully adapted, not transcripted. Michael Caine was of course excelent (he always is), but the surprise performance was Tobey Maguire who captured the introversion of an orphan perfectly. His expressions and mannerisms said it all. His style was understated just enough. In short: excellent script, excellent cast, excellent movie.
Rating: 
Summary: I 'm Surprised!
Review: I am very suprised that this movie was so "non-emotional." I mean, it was very moving, but abortion is such a major issue right now, that I thought there would be so much more emotion in it. "The Cider House Rules" set in Maine, during World War II is a very good movie, although I don't have the faintest idea why The Academy gave Michael Caine an Oscar! He did a fine job, but he didn't do a great job. Charlize Theron and Tobey McGuire gave great performances. Also, it suprised me that Erykah Badu wasn't nominated, I thought she did a wonderful job. I'd recomend this film to anyone, however it's no "Must- See." -ISAIAH STERRETT
Rating:
Summary: The Best Movie Of The Year!
Review: The Cider House Rules is a beautiful film. Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron and Michael Caine are just excellent! Lasse Hallstrom is a truly wonderful director, and it shows in this film. The plot sounds kind of depressing, dealing with abortions and orphans, but it is truly an uplifting film. Buy it!
Rating:
Summary: Should Have Won Oscar For Best Motion Picture!
Review: "The Cider House Rules" is one incredible motion picture, and hands down the best movie of 1999. I saw "American Beauty" previously and thought it was a good movie, but this motion picture simply leaves it in the dust. "The Cider House Rules" is an adaptation of John Irving's novel of the same name, set at St. Cloud's Orphanage in Maine. The orphanage is run by Dr. Wilbur Larch, played brilliantly by Michael Caine in what has to be his best acting performance ever. One of Larch's orphans is a young man by the name of Homer Wells, played by Tobey Maguire. In addition to overseeing the orphanage, Dr. Larch delivers babies and performs abortions. He trains Homer to deliver babies and wants him to perform abortions, but Homer doesn't want to learn. Then one day a young pregnant woman (Charlize Theron) and her boyfriend (Paul Rudd) come to St. Cloud's for an abortion. Homer leaves with them and goes to work in an apple orcharge where he meets and befriends a crew. I won't give away any more of the plot of the movie, but suffice it to say that it is beautifully acted, not only by Caine but by Maguire, who has previously turned in solid acting performances in "The Ice Storm" and "Pleasantville". Quite surprisingly, he wasn't (and should have been) nominated for the best actor Oscar. Keep an eye on this young man, he's the real deal. Lasse Hallstrom has done an excellent job directing this movie, and the soundtrack and cinematography are exquisite. Some of the abortion scenes and dialogue may offend some of those who call themselves pro-life, although the movie doesn't try to be preachy or beat one to death with the issue. Overall, this should not detract from the enjoyment of another John Irving work which has been masterfully transferred to the silver screen.
Rating:
Summary: No plot
Review: After walking out of the theater for THE CIDER HOUSE RULES, I felt more confused than I had ever felt in my life. The think that bothered me was the fact that they went through the whole movie without much of a plot. The acting was pretty good, and the Lasse Hallstrom did a great job at directing, but the fact that the movie was made up to be like an Oscar contender is ridiculous. This movie is nothing but a wannabe "coming of age" movie that has been done more than once. And done with Tobey Maguire in most of them!
Rating:
Summary: The best movie there has been in a LONG time
Review: The Cider House Rules is the best movie that I have seen in a very long time! The acting is phenomenal. Micheal Caine is amazing! The movie deals with topics that no one has dealt with in a proper way. The heavy topics were handled well, and with dignity. Bravo on a job well done!
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful movie
Review: This movie has sucj a beauty to it both in sights and feeling. Tobey Maguire is wonderful as the orphan Homer. Michael Caine is superb as Dr. Larch and the sympathy he commands is awesome. John Irving's books-turned-movies have never been done justice until this one came out. See it!
Rating:
Summary: Boring....
Review: I thought the film was boring....waaaaaay to long. It started off brilliantly but then it trailed off pathetically. There seemed to be no proper storyline for ages.
Rating:
Summary: Lassa Hallstrom does it again.
Review: I haven't viewed all of Hallstrom's work,however what I have seen is brilliant. I didn't sit and watch this film,I was in the film ,these actor's were people I knew.This is how to describe the reality the movie projects, it pull's you into the story line,which deals with some heavy subject matter.You are given the material, some of wich comes right to the core of your soul and thoght. You are never left with the feeling of being right or wrong on your own opinon's of these issues,only this reality,the world is so much more than my thoughts alone.The old saying "Good People can do Bad Things"never hit so clear in a movie as this one did.This was Michael Caine at his best,period.Tobey Maquire was just as good,you looked at this character and saw the innocence of youth, you could feel the pain that comes with maturity that he had to endure. This movie will stay with you for some time after you leave the theater,you probably won't change your opinions you've had for years to form,it just may make you less critical of those that differ from yours.This is the movie to see,if you only see one this year, this is it.
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