scholara2 I thought this was a simple and heart warming story. The lead character played by Lambert reminded me of the characters played by Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump", and Peter Sellers in his last film "Being There" I liked pretty much every character in the film, except the maintenance man. He let Gideon chop all that wood while he sat back and drank beer, and had a hardy laugh at the guy's expense when he found out Gideon couldn't read ("you're as dumb as a rock").I liked the way Lambert played his character, always hinting there was more than meets the eye.I like Lambert, from his portrayal of Tarzan in the only movie that was a realistic adaptation of the ERB novel, and too bad he hasn't had a more visible career in Hollywood.Anyway, I think this movie stands on its own merits.

Christopher Burns I wonder how in this world of mediocrity, such a gem as `Gideon' can be overlooked? To say it had a stellar cast would be superfluous, the screen play was great and developed each of the characters to their utmost potential. It is a heart warming story without shamelessly tugging at your heart strings. If you have any regard for well thought out and well executed story telling, then you owe it to yourself to seek out this lost treasure.

Dennis Deja Ok...once you get over the "if we mix Cocoon with Being There and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest we will have a hit!" comparisons, you will find that Gideon is a well acted ensemble film that works in spite of it's influences (the aforementioned films). Yes...the script is sometimes overly sweet. Yes, there are archetypes in the different characters. Yes, there is a distinct scent of familiar plot devices. But, who cares? Gideon delivers solid entertainment and heartwarming storytelling on a basic level. Christopher Lambert is credited as co-producer on the credits. That fact tells me one thing...that Lambert has a heart underneath the blank/sullen stare that has (in my opinion) hindered his chances of being more highly regarded in the "system" that is Hollywood. A good family film and fine Saturday/Sunday afternoon viewing. I would even watch this film on local TV with commercial interruption. It's that good! We need more films like "Gideon" to overcome the cynicism of current Hollywood movie making. In my view, "Gideon" is a Gem!

rollo_tomaso An old-fashioned sweet movie, sort of Being There meets Cocoon. Only Shelly Winters is out of place in a one-note portrayal as the evil owner. This is a fitting valedictory for Carroll O'Connor who trots out his Archie Bunker accent for the occasion. Barbara Bain is marvelous and steals every scene she is in. Charlton Heston and Shirley Jones make me wish I could look, talk, and act like them at their age --- heck, make that even at my age, and they have 30 years on me. This has a sweet and winning charm, It may be a bit too much saccharine for hardened hearts, must most of us sentimental softies will want to watch it again and again.