Doesn't that sound evil and ominous? And yet, while that is exactly the plot of this charming and (in many ways) wonderful movie, there is so much more to it than that.

Firstly, let me say that the only reason I watched this movie was because The Beckster and I were discussing Billy Bob Thornton one day and she (as one of her many talents is to be an AMAZING mimic of people) did an impression of him in this movie...I was incredulous, but she swore that was what he did all through the movie...and she was right, and had imitated it exactly. If you haven't seen it, it's hard to describe, but he kind of puts his neck forward, sticks his jaw out and talks through his nose...

Anyway. I do like Billy Bob, have enjoyed his work in every movie I've seen him in, from Alamo, where I thought he was brilliant, to Monster's Ball, which left me nonplussed, but he was still good in it. Might be a different sort of Johnny Depp, who is always good even in very bad movies.

This portrait of a man who was hideously abused by his family, is mentally disabled (is that the pc term these days? I can never remember...) and is nonetheless a fine, kind, gentle and interesting person trying to make his way in the world, and finding friends and earning the trust and friendship of a lonely boy is just amazing. Thornton is so believeable, and the story is so simple and so simply told, and although the ending is foreshadowed far ahead, it's satisfying and right and really works well.

I'm told that this was the movie that made Thornton a star, and I can well see why...he not only is brilliant as the lead, but wrote it himself, and every word and scene is just right. Do yourself a favor and enjoy this fine movie, you'll be glad you did.