Review of Rain Man (1988) by Shane D — 13 Mar 2012
As iconic as this film was/is, I had actually never seen it. So many years after its release I finally got around to watching it. It's enjoyable sure. Obviously Hoffman is brilliant in one of his career defining roles, Cruise on the other hand is a little baffling.
I guess this was the first hint that he could do something different, but I also think it's the beginning of the "love to hate Cruise" phenom. He is, purposely, an unlikeable prick and even though he eventually finds redemption through his brother, he still remains a self-righteous ass.
Because of the time of it's release, this does at times feel a little like a John Hughes film (Planes, Trains?...except without some of the comedy), but that's not a criticism it actually only endeared me to it further.
Overall, it's obviously a classic (especially comparative to it's late 80s peers), can't say I will find myself sitting through it again in a hurry, but it's certainly a definitive time capsule to two of Hollywood's most influential stars' careers.
This review of Rain Man (1988) was written by Shane D on 13 Mar 2012.
Rain Man has generally received very positive reviews.
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