Harrison Ford goes from normal to insane in this and the ride there is crazy. I really enjoyed it and it is a must for Harrison Ford fans!
Movie Reviews
Harrison Ford's best work
Steven Reynolds | Sydney, Australia | 12/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Peter Weir's under-appreciated masterpiece draws a striking comparison between religious zealotry and the utopian fantasies of technological imperialism. The smarmy Reverend Spellgood heads south into Central America to spread the Christian faith. Paranoid inventor Allie Fox does likewise, but his mission is somewhat different though no less religious in its intensity - he wants to bring ice, and by his logic 'civilization', to the locals. Both men are 'missionaries', both equally blind to the personal and social costs of the 'salvation' they bring. The cast is excellent. Helen Mirren is near flawless as the devoted but cautious mother, and River Phoenix really impresses as the coming-of-age son through whose eyes the story unfolds. But Ford is absolutely perfect as the father. This was truly inspired casting, as it uses our latent feelings for the actor to put us in precisely the same position as his on-screen family: we want to love him - this quintessentially paternal hero - despite his destructive obsession. But in the end we have to accept that he gets exactly what he deserves. I'm surprised Ford doesn't seek out more roles like this one, rather than settling for repetitive action fare or trying to reinvent himself as Bogart. Adapted with considerable skill by Paul Schrader from an exquisite novel by Paul Theroux, this film is a rare find: a powerful, gripping, moving story with something important to say."
Where was Oscar?
mkollmorgen | New York | 12/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Say about this movie what you want, if you like Harrison Ford because of his acting ability, this is the movie to watch. Ford gives an enticing, complex, and multi-facetted performance as Allie Fox, a man with a vision of utopia, blind to the reality that binds him. With his vision and inventions, Fox takes his family into the rain forests of Central America, where he sets a chain of events in motion that soon eludes his control and --in the destructive devastation released on man and nature-- the scope of his imagination.Mr. Ford's portrayal of this driven, and in the end obsessed man is not that of a simple villain. Through Allie Fox, Mr. Ford brings to the screen a range of emotions no other character has ever allowed him to explore and does an amazing job with. This is the kind of performance that desrves an Academy Award.A great, albeit less popular follow up to 'Witness,' 'The Mosquito Coast' reunites Ford with Australian director Peter Weir. This is a great movie, visual and character driven. Finally, it is available in the grand widescreen format it deserves!"
(Harrison) Ford Has a Better Idea
J. Michael Click | Fort Worth, Texas United States | 06/18/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Harrison Ford gives one of his most forceful and compelling performances as Allie Fox, an inventor who moves his family to the jungle of Central America to establish an isolationist utopia. As his dream builds, and then unravels, he moves along the scale from manic genius to meglomanic obsession, putting him at heightened odds with God, nature, man, and finally, his own family. Ford's dazzling performance is enhanced by Helen Mirren's quiet intensity as his loyal wife, and River Phoenix's thoughtful portrayal of his observant oldest son. Look quickly for cameos by Jason Alexander (TV's "Seinfeld") and Butterfly McQueen ("Gone With the Wind")! A beautifully photographed and handsomely mounted production, perceptively directed by Peter Weir.The DVD offers both widescreen and pan & scan tranfers; I preferred the widescreen which preserves the film's magnificent visual compositions. Video and sound are both clear and crisp, and the theatrical trailer makes a nice bonus supplement. Recommended for fans of Ford and Weir, and for viewers who like a strong mix of character study and action-adventure."
Outstanding story, character development & cinematography!
The Blue Raja | MD, USA | 06/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie contains all the elements that make a great story, and best of all, includes a great cast and wonderful cinematography. Harrison Ford plays a very dynamic character who fits the mold of the misguided husband who downplays his pernicious acts with a "I'm doing this for you" speech. Incredible! Part of you loves him for his genius, part of you hates him for his hazardous ambition. I would classify this movie as a tragedy, but what better way to learn from the ideal human experience of survival, hope and trial. The DVD looks sharp (for an older movie!) and has a nice trailer on it, but that's really it. I noticed the Amazon comment of "Fine film grain is revealed throughout," and I quote Allie Fox, "Sounds perfect!" - I love the sharp film look! This movie is a keeper, and an excellent chapter in Harrison Ford's hall of fame! Peter Weir too! SEE IT!"
Definitely not Han or Indy
Karl Becker | Iowa, USA | 04/10/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Don't sit down and watch The Mosquito Coast expecting another Six Days and Seven Nights. Harrison Ford plays serious as a misguided, stubborn father who drags his family through hell. Unlike many of Harrison's other characters, you will not necessarily identify positively with Allie Fox. Instead of the likable brashness of Han Solo, Ford presents us with an despicable genius, an Einstein who does not consider the effects of his choices on others.If the viewer doesn't expect Ford's feel-good characters from past performances, the movie will not be quite as disorienting as when I watched it. Being accustomed to cheering for Ford's characters in previous movies, it was confusing and frustrating to see him so thick-headed. While you may know people like Allie Fox, as I do, let's hope he's not you. The story of a father taking his family into the wild has been explored many times, often with a mid-life crisis element involved. Here, an incredibly intelligent inventor who lacks common sense shoves his family into amazingly difficult situations. He believes his thoughts are perfectly reasoned, that life will be perfect after carrying out his plan. I feel logic dictates that perfection is impossible. Certainly, some deep discussion can occur after the movie's credits. With half of marriages ending in divorce nowadays, many will watch this film and say, "Why doesn't she divorce this stooge?" However, even mismanaged families want to stick together, especially when kids are involved; this realization makes the spouse's questionable actions a touch more believable.The supporting cast is very solid, with every performance believable. Not a single weak link really exists here, and the cinematography drops you right in the middle of the jungle.I enjoyed the movie simply to see Harrison Ford truly acting. The Mosquito Coast shows his range as an actor. A good watch for true fans of Harrison Ford, plus a lot of food for thought."