Fathers & Sons (1992)

Let's be realistic.

It is a performances centric movie

Excellent adaptation.

Absolutely Brilliant!

In this 1992 film, Jeff Goldblum and Rory Cochrane star as a father and son who, despite having a somewhat strained relationship, are bought together by a strange and dangerous ordeal. Directed by Paul Mones, the film takes place in a Jersey beach town where most people seem to live normal, ordinary lives. Right from the start, Max and Ed are very intuitive. They're both in touch with their feelings and the world around them. But its the eerie presence of a mysterious shore killer with an uncanny appearance that causes them to feel on edge and drift into an imaginary world. As the killer encounters Max and Ed at different times, they begin to have moments of ESP. The killer seems drawn to Max and Ed in a way that's creepy and unsettling. He appears out of nowhere and always manages to be in the same place at the same time. When Eddie is attacked in the end, its Max's sudden intuition that saves his life.The dialogue between the characters is good. In addition, the dialogue that was read from the book "Cats & Dogs" was very intriguing. The author of the book whose name is Isaac is someone not heard of by any of the characters, although its possible that the author might be the killer himself. As several of the characters recite passages from the book, it becomes clear that what they're reading is having a dynamic effect on them. The art of communicating without speaking and "joining a universal community" are themes from the book. Its great to see the characters particularly Ed develop a deeper understanding of what these ideas are about even though the intentions of the author are ominous and insincere.The relationship between Max and Ed is good to watch Both of them are connected in such a way that is deep and profound. Its wonderful how Max's sudden intuition bought them closer together in the end. Jeff Goldblum is great as the loving father trying to establish a closer bond with his son. Rory Cochrane gives a decent performance as the distant and somewhat rebellious teenage son.Through solid directing, Paul Mones does a fantastic job in demonstrating the mental and emotional similarities between Max and Ed. In addition, he not only shows how meaningful any relationship can be but he also shows how tragedy can bring a family closer together, forcing them to love and appreciate each other a lot more.

I do not like to look at ratings or reviews most of the time, because they are usually from people who simply look at the box cover, actors or are close-minded. Usually very out-of-touch and emotionless viewers also who will never get or understand a movie like this. I have seen it several times, and along with the beautiful piano piece during the beginning, and John Gorka's "I'm From New Jersey" at the end credits, the movie is very mysteriously beautiful and human. This is made for those who have been through events or things in their life that few, if any will grasp or understand. I am also a Christian, and I get some of the symbolism and meanings of human love, heartaches, loneliness and the need for togetherness. I like the way there is narration, and a sense of longing and falling into the scenes. Timeless movie that is hard to find on DVD, since it was originally VHS, being in 1992. I have the rare laser disc print and the DVD, along with the VHS.

I cannot believe how some critics or people want to rate this movie bad or think they can judge it poorly in their ignorant understanding of it. Are people today just scared or turned off by any kind of real or tender feelings or understanding of depth in life and emotion? It seems those that did not think good about this movie does. This was one of the very best movies I have ever seen, right up there with all my other favorites. The feeling and atmosphere was awesome and touching and the acting by Jeff was the very best he has ever done and everyone that saw the movie with me thought so as well. Many will never understand this movie and I feel very sorry for you that you do not. This is a classic that is underrated. I have seen it MANY times and can totally relate. Do not think you understand something when you do not because you have no place or business even thinking you do and giving it a false negative rating. I bought this digital video disc as soon as it was released. It was much better than most of the critically acclaimed movies and the music soundtrack was very good, which helped the movie a lot. Kudos to the director who took the risk to tell it like it is. Thank you.

Made prior to Goldblum's recent biggies, Fathers & Sons is one that the actors would probably rather forget. At it's heart is the evaluation of the relationship between a father and his son as they both attempt to master their own personal demons. But it is the annoying 'mysterious stranger' and other red herrings that had me grabbing for the fast forward button. At 45 minutes too long, I'd recommend Goldblums classic 'Into the Night' any day.