Review of Finding Forrester (2000) by Aaliyah H — 29 May 2016

I am a person who enjoys watching movies as well as reading and writing. I loved this movie and I wouldn't mind watching it again. It's the type of movie that you probably wouldn't get bored of. Some people say that it is plain and boring, but I think it has enough unexpectedness as to keep the audience interested. It bears a resemblance to Gus van Sant's previous movie Good Will Hunting, although Finding Forrester is more towards literature whereas Good Will Hunting is mainly about Mathematics. The similarities of the two movies do not take away from the fact that Finding Forrester is a deep movie with an incredible plot. The movie is very thought-provoking and it's not sappy nor depressing. At the same time, it isn't a feel good movie either.

A reclusive author whose only book won a Pulitzer Prize becomes the mentor of an underprivileged yet extremely talented sixteen year-old, starring Sean Connery and Rob Brown. Jamal Wallace is a star basketball player and unbeknownst to his friends, has a talent for writing. The need to fit in with his friends is derived from playing ball. A prep school offers Jamal a scholarship due to his high test scores and their need to win the basketball championship.

Although it is shown that Forrester is Jamal's mentor, Forrester learns things from Jamal as well, such as not being afraid of leaving his house and also that friendship is more than just being there.

The acting is wonderful, especially from Sean Connery, playing the title character, and from Rob Brown, as Jamal. Even the minor characters in the film, such as Jamal's older brother, played by Busta Rhyme and Jamal's friends. Anna Paquin is great for her role as Claire, a rich girl from the prep school that Jamal transfers to. The only disappointment was the character played by F. Murray Abraham. Although he acted well, there was a complete lack of character development, and the teacher-that-gives-the-brilliant-student-a-hard-time stereotype is hard to ignore. Despite this one shortcoming, this is one of the best movies and is high up there on the recommendation list.