Review of Finding Forrester (2000) by Anna G — 13 Apr 2009

After seeing Milk, I thought it was time to revisit some of GVS's back catalog. Starting with this film was unfortunate as I was not impressed at all. Aside from major pacing issues and a sluggish script, the plot revolves around an inner city student who accidentally finds himself being mentored by a reclusive intellectual, who in turn inspires him to reach for his dreams.

This film attempts to evoke that after-school special feel but ends up resembling Dead Poets Society meets Higher Learning without the inspiring idealism, good acting or memorable story. Sean Connery is flat and deadpan providing more comic relief than anything, which I believe was not the intention.

The movie was saved only by Van Sant's production team who created a great looking picture and the score by Bill Frizell was awesome, giving the film a Spike Lee feeling but without the makings of a classic film.

Nice try Gus but no joint. Props should be handed out to newcomer Rob Brown who did the best with what he had.