kraigpdx
This is a cute and sweet movie without all the heavy handed film tricks that turn most films about children looking like sappy greeting card. There is a nice gritty quality to the filming style, even down to the bad wigs and unflattering camera angles. Bruno's fascination with wearing a dress is not about any gender identity issues but is a spiritual quest for his sense of individuality. After all in Bruno's own words "the Pope wears a dress". So, while yes there is a clear message about having a unique identity, it is layered in a spiritual message as well. Bruno's lot in life had been cast for him and it was what he did with being pegged as an outsider that is the inspiration behind this film. The cast is all top notch even as their rolls are more subdued and less glamorous then other films. I would highly recommend this film for anyone looking for a 'family' movie that is a little off the beaten track.
kelby393
I had seen this movie on TV before getting it on DVD from Amazon. And after re-watching it today, I know why - it's a charming little flick that teaches tolerance. The acting is solid across the board. The characters, while sometimes a little too caricature-ish, are actually pretty likable (minus the Catholic school bullies, of course, but what do you expect out of bully characters?) The dad, I don't know, he could have used a little bit more character besides standing around and scowling at his cross-dressing son and his flamboyant mother and then finally being accepting at the end, but oh well. At least what little character he has gets developed to that accepting point.If I had to complain about some things in this movie, it's just that sometimes there's a little too much gratuitous swearing (the Catholic school headmasters swear, the little bullies at the school swear too much, and Bruno's grandmother even swears at the bullies at one point.) Another thing is that Shawniqua, the little girl, says that her father is living in China, then changes it to Afghanistan. Well where is your father, sweetie? What's he doing there? Yes her father wasn't crucial to the story, but then why even mention him? And like I said, Bruno's father could have had more personality to begin with. Besides the swearing, sometimes the dialogue feels a bit awkward, like they should say more things to develop the characters and story a bit more. Also, if you're not religious like I'm not, the whole religious theme will probably get on your nerves a bit, but well, if you don't believe in it, why worry about it?But if you can get past these flaws like I could, you'll like this. This movie has a bit of heart and soul that I felt and enjoyed. I almost cried at the end, that's how much emotion it has. :) I recommend it.
cala3
This movie was disturbing, not because of the subject matter but because of the way it was handled. The extremely overweight mother (Angela) did not even make it on the cover of the video case when most of the rest of the cast did. This is not fair but is a statement in itself. I also notice her picture is missing from IMDb (maybe her own choice) and it looks like this is her only film ever? The language in this movie was crude beyond necessity. Watched with my 10yr old son because it was rated PG in Canada and the language coming out of their mouths was shameful & disgusting. Never did appreciate Shirley Maclain like so many others seem to.LOVE Kathy Bates and always will. Sinese's part was annoying.The little boy Alex is a great little actor. I'll have to see what else he's been up to lately..
ttbrowne
First the premise stinks...little boy likes to dress in girls clothes. It reminded me of Norman Bates in PSYCHO or Ed Wood in ED WOOD. The jokes are lame and old, You've seen 'em in a dozen 50's & 60's films. The whole cast is wasted. I bet people signed on just to be in a Shirley MacLaine vehicle. Please, Would somebody tell Shirley she did her best comedy in TWO MULES FOR SISTER SARA. See it...if there's no reruns of Andy Griffith on.
AD
