Occasionally during the movie, I found myself wondering what it would be like to confront myself as the child I was. Don't get me wrong, I didn't have any big psychological breakthrough. But as passive psychotherapy, "The Kid" is a bargain, a way to simply reflect back on my own growth.
It all depended on the writing, which refreshes formulaic Disney, and the casting. Spencer Breslin could not be improved upon as eight-year-old Rusty. An urchin who seems half-formed with his baby fat, mop of hair, and teeth facing orthodontia, but he's both vulnerable and strong-willed. He grows up to become Russ, who has crushed his vulnerability to dust and become an image consultant-- unaware that his first client was himself. Bruce Willis plays Russ with brinkmanship skill, making us understand why he is disliked by colleagues and clients, but also suggesting that his hubris hides a fragile humanity.
To be honest, I was inclined to like the movie before it began. The supporting cast suggested quality: Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart, Chi McBride, Dana Ivey, and Emily Mortimer don't gravitate toward third-rate material.
But I watched it for Bruce Willis. As I write, there are frequent updates about the dementia that will claim his life all too soon. His popularity has always been touted above his talent, even though his talents are remarkable. With nothing but a change of expression, he can bring you from laughter to heartache in seconds. The laughter will soon be behind us; the heartache is coming.
It all depended on the writing, which refreshes formulaic Disney, and the casting. Spencer Breslin could not be improved upon as eight-year-old Rusty. An urchin who seems half-formed with his baby fat, mop of hair, and teeth facing orthodontia, but he's both vulnerable and strong-willed. He grows up to become Russ, who has crushed his vulnerability to dust and become an image consultant-- unaware that his first client was himself. Bruce Willis plays Russ with brinkmanship skill, making us understand why he is disliked by colleagues and clients, but also suggesting that his hubris hides a fragile humanity.
To be honest, I was inclined to like the movie before it began. The supporting cast suggested quality: Lily Tomlin, Jean Smart, Chi McBride, Dana Ivey, and Emily Mortimer don't gravitate toward third-rate material.
But I watched it for Bruce Willis. As I write, there are frequent updates about the dementia that will claim his life all too soon. His popularity has always been touted above his talent, even though his talents are remarkable. With nothing but a change of expression, he can bring you from laughter to heartache in seconds. The laughter will soon be behind us; the heartache is coming.