I watched this movie upon finishing the novel, and I will say it was a really nice rendition. Most everything followed the same plot line, while certain details were altered or omitted. The movie moved along very quickly, and I found myself using my knowledge of the book to follow. However, I found the movie to be emotional, and wonderful. The characters were portrayed beautifully, and I would certainly recommend watching this if you're looking for a heartwarming, tear-jerker!

Matthew Modine is credible as the mental retard who becomes smart, albeit briefly, and then dumb again. On the whole, this is an interesting take on how genetic engineering and its wonders can still fail to save humankind. The acting of both Modine and Kelli Williams lends strong weight and makes this movie very watchable. I don't think you would classify this as an excellent movie -- Modine is respectable but it's hard to really think he was convincing acting retarded -- but as a TV movie it was a touching 2 hours.

I must admit, the only reason I taped this movie was to see the spellbinding Kelli Williams, from "The Practice." I had no clue what the movie was about, but I figured she could carry the movie no matter what. Besides, I haven't read the book so I knew my view would not be "tainted" in that sense.Anyway, I was floored by the performances of both Modine and Williams. Modine's performance was good -- at no point was I convinced he was really retarded, but his transition from retarded to gifted and back again was well done. Williams acts with such sincerity and purity, it's easy for me to forget she's acting. Her performance was so genuine, at the end it actually felt as though she had actually experienced the horrible loss that her character experienced. She faces her loneliness utterly alone; she realizes this, and portrays it to a T.If you missed this film, I hope someday you will get a chance to see it again. If not, at least read the book. I know I will.

A very touching movie. Sad and funny. Very realistic cast. Very uplifting and powerful. I read the book a couple of weeks ago. I love the book and the movie as well. I cannot wait until the movie comes out on video/DVD. This was an enjoyable movie.