The Mighty (1998)

A very intelligent 12 year old boy (Kieran Culkin) suffering from a crippling disease called Morquio Syndrome and a massively built but learning challenged 14 year old (Elden Henson) form an unlikely friendship. Based on the novel FREAK THE MIGHTY by Rodman Philbrick and directed by Peter Chelsom (FUNNY BONES). Although at times manipulative and contrived, it's almost impossible not to respond to this tender tale of how friendship can transform us. Culkin's character is broken physically and Henson's character broken emotionally but together they form a unique bond that will prove healing to both of them. Ultimately, it gravitates into a tearjerker but its emotions are sincere and one need not feel exploited by the movie. With two exceptions, the acting is good especially from Henson. The two exceptions are Gillian Anderson, who seems miscast and too actressy as a not very bright tramp and James Gandolfini who overdoes the psychotic cretin bit. With Sharon Stone, Gena Rowlands, Harry Dean Stanton, Jenifer Lewis and Meat Loaf.