Dakota Fanning checks off the Rain Man box on her filmography with this portrayal of an autistic young lady in San Francisco who ditches her caregiver (Toni Collette, excellent as always) and makes her frightening way to Los Angeles to hand-deliver her submission to a Star Trek scriptwriting contest. While it’s good to see cinematic attempts to focus on an individual rather than a disease, the direction’s a bit flat and the uplifting ending preordained. Fanning is certainly committed to the role, but too often falls back on mere tics and quirks rather than realizing a fully developed character. Seen worse. (93 min)
Don Morton
Don Morton has viewed some 6,000 movies, frequently awake. A bachelor and avid cyclist, he currently divides his time between Tokyo and a high-tech 4WD super-camper somewhere in North America.You may also like
Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: Discover Okutama’s Wasabi Farms
Embark on a journey in search of the Shogun’s wasabi
Food Fantasies: Japanese Aphrodisiacs
The exotic and erotic foods of Japan to titillate your taste buds, and more
When Can Japan Have a Military Again?
Breaking down what’s next for Japan's military future
An Evening at Janu Tokyo: Grill, Bar and Lounge
An editor’s review of the Janu Grill, Janu Bar and Janu Lounge.
The Fascinating History Behind Japanese Kissaten
Plus top kissaten cafes to visit in Tokyo
Tokyo Trends: Kitten Heels
Tokyo’s beloved little heel
Tokyo Architectural Gems You Can Eat and Drink In
Lose Yourself in Tokyo’s Cafés, Tea Houses & Beer Halls