A Sensitive Story
Added 10/15/2009
The Cure is a deeply moving account of a tough, unhappy teenage boy living in a pretty dysfunctional home, relating to a younger neighbor who has contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion. As a counselor and teacher of children for many years, the film for me depicts something I've witnessed often, but is not part of our general image of teenage boys--the capacity to demonstrate sensitivity and compassion. The terrible need of the little kid next door inspired this quality in the older boy, a need he responded to courageously in spite of the harassment of boys who seem more characteristic of the general view of young boys. Essentially, this is an inspiring story about love, sacrificial love, and I think even young viewers would be moved by it. JOHN KETTLEWELL
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Excellent movie
Added 10/14/2009
The movie is excellent!
Great serious movie for kids between 9-13 yrs old
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Older movie but when I saw something on TV the other day I was reminded of the story and how great it was. I ordered a copy from Amazon right away as it being old it might not be available down the years. I received the DVD in perfect shape and no order problems just like always. What a great story. I watched it the first for several years and I still was moved by it. Both the child actors grew into well respected adult actors and continue to make films. Do I want to spoil the story for you? I will tell you that it involves how close two boys from different lives can become such good friends and the older one protecting his younger friend. A very moving story.
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This is not a movie I would like my child to see. Three reasons;
1. The "good guy", Erik throws a big rock at the back of the head of a bully after the bully apologized, that blow could have been deadly.
2. Erik steals $300 from the guys that gave them a ride.
3. Dexter later cut his own hand, threatening to give them HIV to keep the stolen money.
This movie could have been so much better, kids deserve better role models than that. It is however a great story about friendship no doubt.
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Excellent film; Exceptionally poor DVD transfer
Added 4/8/2009
"The Cure" is one of the most moving films I have seen in several years. Joseph Mazzello and the late Brad Renfro deliver excellent performances as their respective characters Dexter (Mazzello) and Erik (Renfro). Also worthwhile is Annabella Sciorra's performance as Linda (Dexter's mom). I found the movie online by accident, and was instantly taken with the story.
A movie like this one could not be made today because of the technological advances society has undergone since 1995. It would be nearly impossible for two teenagers to run away from home and sail down the Mississippi without being found via GPS, cell phone, or similar divices. However, when the movie is viewed from a mid-1990s perspective, those issues are not bothersome. Mazzello's heartwarming scene about the questions of life and death as well as the sadness Renfro portrays after Dexter's death are worth the price of the film.
I am thoroughly convinced after watching this film that Joe Mazzello and Brad Renfro are two of the most accomplished actors of the 1990s. They bring the story to life, causing the viewer to believe in Erik and Dexter's quest to find the cure for AIDS and save the latter's life.
Unfortunately, the DVD does not live up to the exceptional acting. As other reviewers have noted, the transfer is FULL SCREEN (1:33:1) and in MONO. I urge the reader to seek out the LaserDisc version, which was released in WIDESCREEN and has DIGITAL STEREO sound. This film is far more enjoyable in widescreen, as the 1:85:1 aspect ratio allows the characters breathing room. The digital stereo sound naturally brings out elements of dialogue and music that are missed in mono.
Even with the poor DVD transfer, I highly recommended "The Cure" for anyone who believes in the power of friendship and hope.
RATING
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Film: 4/5
DVD: 2/5
LD (LaserDisc): 4/5
FINAL: 4/5
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