Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Ariella Broughton It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Stephanie There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Paul J. Nemecek The key to understanding Cider House Rules is in the title itself. Roger Ebert says he's not really sure what the movie is about. Other critics have become embroiled in a rather heated debate about the politics of the film since Michael Caine plays a doctor who runs an orphanage and performs illegal abortions from time to time. Some have accused the film of being pro-choice propaganda; others have depicted it as a balanced treatment of the subject. For this reviewer the debate misses the point, because the point of the film is, I think, a bit more philosophical and abstract. The moral philosophy of the film is, in the words of Sartre, that we are "condemned to freedom."Tobey Maguire plays Homer Wells, the focal point of the film. Homer has grown up in an orphanage in Maine, and ends up as one of the "unpicked", that is, one of the children who hopes to be adopted, but never is--at least, formally. As Homer grows into adolescence, Dr. Larch, the head of the orphanage takes Homer under his wings and teaches Homer medicine. He also tries to teach Homer how to perform abortions, but Homer is passionately opposed. As Homer approaches adulthood, he decides that it is time for him to find his own way. He leaves the orphanage, and ends up picking apples, discovering the larger world, and falling in love. Homer makes more than a few mistakes along the way. Perhaps it is not an accident that it is an orchard that initially seems like Eden for Homer. Homer discovers what a burden it is to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and this is where he confronts the cider house rules.The film is thoroughly existential in its themes and moral philosophy. I am not particularly troubled by this. The best films are those films that make me think, not those that tell me what to think in a rather heavy-handed way. I believe in God as the ground and source of all truth. I also believe that we see through a glass darkly, and must therefore, "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." It is in this sense that we are condemned to freedom.The story, performances, and visual artistry are excellent. John Irving (Simon Birch, The World According to Garp) wrote the novel and the screenplay. Lasse Hallstrom (What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Something to Talk About, My Life as a Dog) directs the story with tenderness and an eye for nuances in relationships--as is the case in his previous films. There are clear similarities between the central character here and Hallstrom's characters in What's Eating Gilbert Grape and My Life as a Dog. Michael Caine turns in a solid performance as Dr. Larch and Tobey Maguire is perfect as Homer Wells. This is a thoughtful story well told. Still, this is not a film for all. The PG-13 rating and the previews understate the mature themes of the film, and some are offended by the film's treatment of abortion. I found the film to be thoughtful and artfully done. Consistent with the theme of the film, you will have to decide for yourself.

amexspam This is a well done film, filled with nuance and careful character development. It shows humans with all of their foibles and how they cope. The lead actors are very good, and Michael Caine truly deserved his Oscar. The reason for the less than stellar overall rating is due to the anti-choice fanatics that obsess over the fact that women are given a choice and then give the film low marks. The anti-choice fanatics show their obsession to control lives extends well beyond another's womb, but want total control.

billsoccer This is a very well written, performed, and filmed movie. It stars Tobey Maguire as Homer - an orphan trained to assist the physician-in-charge of the orphanage. The physician (Michael Caine) is Dr. Larch - a gruff but loving step-father to his charges. The movie is set in the mid 1900's, in a Maine where abortion is quite illegal. Dr. Larch long-ago decided the law didn't make enough allowances and has dedicated himself to right these 'wrongs'. The movie deals with the coming-of-age of Homer: Originally seeing the sanctity of all life, seizing an opportunity to see the larger world, and eventually coming to agree with Dr. Larch's philosophy. As I implied at the beginning, this is a very engrossing film. I wish it wouldn't have been used (and not so subtly) to justify abortion on demand. After all, Homer's love interest uses it simply for birth control, so she and her boyfriend won't be embarrassed/inconvenienced.

Raul Faust "The Cider House Rules" has been in my wish list for years, and I finally found it on a local store. The movie's get go is made with simplicity and beautiful moments, making you feel like you're on a romantic cruise. The relationship between Homer Wells and Paul Rudd's character is a little awkward, and it feels very strange to see these two actors so young. Photography and overall directing are GREAT all the way through, delivering a nostalgic feeling of peace, mainly due to the simplistic yet complex subject we're given. Other than that, even thought I tend to enjoy dramatic stories that aren't filled with melodramatic situations, sometimes the lack of boldness in this plot frustrated me. I mean, maybe a stronger moment between the doctor and Homer would've made it a lot more memorable. "The Cider House Rules" is, in my opinion, a great movie involving parenting, growing up and letting go, but I understand why it's so unknown for most of the people.