Review of What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993) by Dana P — 26 May 2010

This is a touching tale about a struggling family and their strained relationships. Johnny Depp does well to bring to life a resilient protagonist who keeps trying to do the right thing in supporting his family.

Leonardo DiCaprio is brilliant as Depp's younger brother. Their kinship is the heart of the movie and the soul reason for watching. Whats Eating Gilbert Grape gives you a sense of everyday life while hinting at the idea that something bigger and better is out there for all of us.

There aren't any real surprises and the plot is far from momentous, but this is a worthwhile smalltown story.