In 1991, Peter Hedges (About a Boy) published a novel titled, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” The story focuses on the titular character struggling with his dysfunctional family and having an affair with his wife’s boss. His dream is to leave his hometown without any drama. One day, he falls in love with a girl. Two Years Later, Paramount Pictures produced a film adaptation.
Released in 1993, (the year I was born) it received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. Despite praise, the film only grossed $10 million at the box office and didn’t cover marketing costs. Leonardo DiCaprio (my all-time favorite actor) earned his first Oscar nominations at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards for “Best Supporting Actor. Leo later won “Best Actor” for “The Revenant.”
Speaking of which, Leo will collaborate with Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro and Oscar winning actor Brendan Fraser in an epic western crime-drama titled, “Killers of the Flower Moon.” The film will be released on October 20, 2023. As of August 31st, there’s no confirmation of streaming release on Apple TV.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to see this gem.
Good & Bad Qualities
Good: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Darlene Cates, Mary Steenburgen, a then unknown John C. Reilly & Crispin Glover all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Lasse Hallstrom (The Cider House Rules, Casanova, Dear John) did a decent job directing.
Peter Hedges wrote the script based on the novel.
My favorite lines are, “Match in the gas tank, boom boom!” “We’re not going anywhere.”
Fun Fact #1: Leo turned down a role in Hocus Pocus in favor of playing Arnie.
Fun Fact #2: Leo worked with John C. Reilly in Martin Scorsese’s “Gangs of New York” & “The Aviator.”
Fun Fact #3: Dakota Fanning (my fifth favorite actress) mentioned What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is one of her favorite films. It made her cry.
Fun Fact #4: Although set in Iowa, the film was actually shot in Texas. When I was a teen, I met Darlene Cates in real life.
Fun Fact #5: A young Christian Bale turned down the role as Arnie in favor of “Swing Kids.”
Fun Fact #6: Leo worked with Juliette Lewis in “The Basketball Diaries.”
Gilbert’s chemistry with his family, friends and love interest serves as the main highlight.
Primary Themes are Family, Love, Loss, Exhaustion, Loyalty, Acceptance & Brotherhood. Each one is handled carefully.
Although a sad movie, it has a few funny and heartwarming moments.
This film will make you cry. Bring a few tissues just in case. No offense, I didn’t cry at all.
Bad: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a great film that still holds up today. If you’re prepping up for Killers of the Flower Moon, invite your girlfriend or boyfriend over and watch this gem.
Rest in Peace Darlene Cates, your performance will never be forgotten.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 