Movie Review: Martian Child

John Cusack stars in Martian Child. But the inspiration of this film is astral disappointment on a galactic level. As sci-fi author David, Cusack chooses to adopt a little boy named Dennis (Bobby Coleman). This happens almost overnight. Dennis is the rough diamond in an orphanage that permits drive-by strangers to show interest and investigate possibilities.

Is the kid really a Martian? Is he from the Scientology school of programming? Coleman's breathy, incomprehensible whispers annoy more than entertain. The mood is dark and depressing, with few science fiction elements. Remember the upbeat charm of Radio Flyer? It's those kind of good vibes.

David doesn't feel right about adopting any of the kids until he learns that weird little Dennis believes he is from Mars. David is a science fiction writer and used to have similar fantasies, so he figures he's the perfect father for this kid. David had no parenting experience and a few arm's length relationships to speak of.

David is a panicked adult whose relationship with his wife insulated him from growing up. His isolated world outside speaking gigs about being a writer is almost empty. Without prods from his agent, his entire world would collapse. Soon we realize it's not Dennis' fantasy about Mars David relates to. It's his need to escape reality.

Harlee (Amanda Peet) hangs around, making eyes at David. He's too stymied by that durned Martian kid of his to figure things out. David's sister Liz (Joan Cusack) is a severe, been there done that mother of two. She is appropriately amused and concerned by David's adventures in Parentland.

Oliver Platt is wasted in a role that should have gone somewhere. The social workers who allowed Dennis to drop out of school and exists inside a box wearing sunglasses nevertheless show up at David's house the minute any spiritual and emotional breakthrough occurs. Horrible, horrible, writing.