A shallow display of an underplayed, surfacy adaptation of the wonderful book by Colleen McCullough. This movie by Michael Pate simply doesn't do the characters justice, as if the director said, "Let's just keep the film rolling in this spot and have the actors speak and move around as little as possible, so we don't waste any valuable time and money!" The viewers aren't allowed to delve into the characters' minds, as we should be, making us feel somewhat cheated of a great story line. It unfortunately omits rather amusing and emotional details: the contractors in this film, who constantly play practical jokes on a bewildered Tim, feed him a 'turd' sandwich, leaving him in tears to be comforted by a neighbor. It also leaves out important, deep philosophical dialogue, such as when Mary seeks the advice of the expert who founded a school for mentally retarded individuals. We don't get to see the turmoil in Mary's being, as she painfully ponders her awkward relationship to Tim, a stunningly handsome young laborer, trying to keep their friendship pure and simple and non-sexual. I felt Mary, in this film, wanted the relationship become more than that, although that's not what the author had intended in the first place. The script lacks deep, meaningful dialogue among All the characters (which were so much better in the book), omitting some great, witty lines from Mary's neighbor, the contractors, Tim's father for starters. The only reason I bought it was the fact that it stars a gorgeous, 22-year old Mel Gibson, who seems to innocently sport the tightest, shortest shorts I've ever seen on a guy while cutting grass and trimming bushes. Mel portrays his character with such innocence and wonder, like a lonely, lost puppy dog -- And that teeny bathing suit! I'd buy the film again in an instant! Aside from the surfacy details, I love the essence of the story, and jumped in my seat during certain scenes, hoping it would end the way I wanted it to. There are wonderful moments, especially if you're a female! It does end rather abruptly, however...but that's another puzzlement -- the way it ends. I mean, it just does. But if you're a Mel fan and don't mind sitting through sappy music or boring dialogue, than you'd enjoy it. Otherwise, rent something else.
Review of Tim
