Cast:

Carla Tate - Juliette Lewis (Cape Fear, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Natural Born Killers)
Daniel McMahon – Giovanni Ribisi (Saving Private Ryan, upcoming Mod Squad)
Mom – Diane Keaton (First Wives Club, Marvin’s Room, Annie Hall)
Dad – Tom Skerritt (Contact, Alien)

Okay, it's personal experience time again. Come back with me to the theater, while I'm watching The Other Sister. As the movie ends, I'm wiping my eyes a bit with my shirt (darn onions on the hot dog, yeah, that’s it). I stand to walk out, and I pass at least 5 guys who must've had the same problem. They’re wiping their eyes as well. (Have to make a mental note to tell the theater manager to tone it down on the onions.)

Seriously though, this is one of the most powerfully emotional and moving movies that I've seen in a long while. I will openly admit it. I am a guy, and I have cried at movies (although I still don't eat quiche). Usually, I am alone in these endeavors, but this time, nearly everyone here was touched by this film. How could you not be?!?

It tells the story of a growing friendship, and love, between two mentally challenged people. Had this only been a love story, it would've been effective. But by adding in the challenge of overcoming the societal obstacles presented by this handicap (discrimination and harassment at work, school, and society in general), the impact is doubled in effectiveness.

Propelling and intensifying this love story are the performances of its two leads, Lewis and Ribisi. Each tackled the task of playing a character that is less than appealing, and may even be difficult to watch for some. In my opinion, not many performers can pull these roles off without seeming like an actor doing an impression, or even mocking. Ribisi, and especially Lewis, do this with a flawless perfection.

Ribisi is an up and coming young actor who has already shown a wide range. From the emotional, and overlooked in my opinion, performance in Saving Private Ryan, to action hero in the upcoming Mod Squad, he is indeed one to watch.

Lewis steals the show here though, being the feature star of course, and handles her role with a realistic, emotional, and deft touch. I have enjoyed the few roles I've seen her in (save Natural Born Killers) and I applaud her tackling this role, and hope that she continues. I believe that she has gold in her future. Both these characters have that incredible ability to make you laugh one second, and when you're done, make you cry, make your heart completely melt.

I have stated before that I love watching movies where it seems like I'm watching real people instead of characters. That is what happens here as well. They are well developed, real people that make you care about them so much, the conclusion becomes that much more powerful, and believe me, if this ending doesn't get to you, you must have no heart. The supporting cast is good, Keaton especially, but they are overshadowed here in the glow of Lewis and Ribisi.

Is this movie perfect? By no means. There are storylines hinted at, glanced over, and never really covered at all. It lingers on, and maybe over emphasizes, certain other issues involving these two. Ultimately though, even these make sense because, without you knowing it, Marshall has slowly and delicately pulled you in. He placed these characters in your hearts, made you care, and then yanked at your heartstrings and tear ducts shamelessly. But you know what, I didn’t care. I left the theater smiling, laughing, crying, happy, and most of all, entertained. Isn't that what we go to movies for anyway? I think so.

The emotional power was just icing on that cake, and I do love icing! See this one as soon as you can, take plenty of Kleenex, and watch the men in the theater. See if I'm wrong. ($$$ of $$$$)

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You can also see my reviews at the Online Film Critics Society, of which I am a proud member.