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Homer Wells (Tobey Maguire) has lived in that orphanage for all of his life. Now older and a young man, he helps out Dr. Larch (Caine) in medical operations in the hospital. What operations? Illegal abortions. Back in the 1940's, they were illegal. After having a husband and wife come in for the wife to have an abortion, Homer decides to leave with them, much to the dismay of Larch and all the hopeful kids in the orphanage.
Homer becomes an apple-picker and becomes very happy, and involved with the abortionee, Candy (Charlize Theron). However, he doesn't know what he left behind.
The Cider House Rules has many good performances, solid drama, great entertainment, perfect music, and characters to care about. Maguire played his role right on target. Along with his previous role in Pleasantville and his future role as Spider-Man, he played his character with the right naive and apprehensive expressions. Three cheers for the next big star! Theron also had a great performance, she really surprised me. Caine well deserved his Best Supporting Actor Oscar. As the ether-addicted doctor, he was magnificent. Splendid. All of the supporting characters played their parts well, including Delroy Lindo, Erykah Badu, Kieran Culkin, and Erik Per Sullivan (aka Dewey from Malcolm in the Middle.
Many scenes had lump-in-the-throat drama, and it also took a few surprising twists, keeping it away from your average drama. The music was right on, really bringing out the mood. And yes, there was character developement. I'm happy.
Of course, I have a couple irks with the film. The pacing was sometimes too slow, and some of the content matter was a little too disturbing for me. Other than that, The Cider House Rules is a solid piece of entertainment that earns high marks from me.
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, sexuality, nudity, substance abuse and some violence.
Review Date: December 5, 2002