The Cure (1995)

This heartfelt drama tells us it's an AIDS movie that's not about AIDS. When this film keeps its promise (roughly the first three-quarters), it's a winner, a film about a truly notable friendship between two 11-year-old boys. Diagnosed with AIDS from a blood transfusion, Dexter (Joseph Mazzello) has gratefully bypassed most of Kübler-Ross's stages of death. He is, however, an outcast among his peers until Erik (Brad Renfro) comes along and finds him quite normal. Their bond deepens as they look for a cure for the disease using odd forms of scientific theory. Part educational text, part Mark Twain adventure, part tearjerker, the movie relies on something not found in movies these days: a love affair of male friendship. At its center are two of the best pre-actors around. Mazzello (Jurassic Park) has a professional presence on screen. The wild card is Renfro in only his second role (the other was The Client). As the outgoing, Huck Finn-ish boy, he has impressive physical abilities that communicate a naturalness on screen. The film's sappy hospital scenes bog down the picture tremendously, but they do lead to two special scenes that end the movie. The Cure is an assured directorial debut by TV actor Peter Horton (thirtysomething). An interesting note: single mothers raise both kids, a fact never lingered on--refreshingly so--in the script written by Robert Kuhn. --Doug Thomas Amazon.com

One of my faves!

Most of my favorite movies were not critically-acclaimed and not big box-office winners. And this is a prime example. On the surface it is a drama, but there are many layers to this moving story. It is a thought-provoking and inspirational movie. April 7, 2008

An 80's Treasure

The main characters in this film are disillusioned with goodness in this world and they find it in one another. It makes a statement against social prejudice, that it is excactly that, prejudice, and that they (the main characters) would have sacrificed a meaningful friendship and personal development had they give in. Another theme in this movie is about not being resigned to life and living even in the face of death. The downside to this release is that the disc is in 4:3 aspect ratio and some of the breathtaking scenery that the film was captured in does not shine through, especially in the world of HD today. The story does shine through however and it captures some of the fears of its day about AIDS. I like the hope this movie holds to, of people in each other. I give it 5 Stars! March 23, 2008

A Sad Touching Story From Top To Bottom

What can i say about this movie??????? There's only one or two words to describe "The Cure", and that is 'Sad' and 'Touching'.

Brad Renfro (sadly passed away) and Joseph Mazzello did an amazing performance as their role as Eric & Dexter.

Two boys who live next door befriend with Dexter having aids, and his buddy Eric search for clues to find a cure in time.
Once he search for answers, both Eric and Dexter embark on a mission to New Orleans where a famous doctor helps guys like Dexter heal their disease.
But sadly, their journey ends in disaster where both Dexter and Eric head back home to find that Dexter's life is in jeapordy.

I have to say that this movie was so emotional i couldn't help but bursted out with tears.
There are some fun stuff that Eric and Dexter does while they are on their journey, they also have an adventure of a lifetime.

This movie is a must see. I give it 5 out of 5.
March 22, 2008

A CHILDREN'S BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

SORRY FOLKS, YOU NEED TO BE GAY TO REALIZE THIS IS A GAY PREPUBESCENT LOVE STORY, COMPLETE WITH A PREDICTABLE (MEANING DEATH TO QUEERS) ENDING. I CALL IT A DISNEYLAND BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN-- ITS IMMEDIATE REFERENCE BEING THE CHARMINGLY HOMOEROTIC HUCK AND TOM (NO JIM HERE) ARCHETYPE. NOW THAT I HAVE SHOCKED YOUR SENSIBILITIES LET ME SAY THAT RENFRO AND MAZZELL0 ARE SIMPLY LUMINOUS AS THE LEADS, AND THAT THE ADULT ACTORS ARE ALSO OUTSTANDING. THE KIND OF MOVIE THAT SIMPLY HAS TO BE IN MY COLLECTION. February 18, 2008

Remembering Brad Renfo

"The Cure'

Remembering Brad Renfo

Amos Lassen

I do not remember hearing anything about "The Cure" until Brad Renfro died so I decided to get a copy of it. I found it to be an excellent movie that takes on a very sensitive subject--AIDS and youth. Two boys, Eric (Brad Renfro) and Dexter (Joseph Mazzello) share a deep and profound friendship. Dexter has acquired AIDS from a blood transfusion and he and his mom have become outcasts in their community. Eric and his mom move into the neighborhood and Eric is forced into having to deal with insults as well as his own fear of catching the disease. He manages to overcome his fears and the two boys become fast friends.
The main idea of the film is the boys attempt to find a cure. They begin experimenting with some very naïve ideas and we see how genuine they are. We see how youngsters deal with terrible situations and how much they believe that there is magic in the world. When they hear about a cure that has been developed in the South, the two take off on an adventure that brings them even closer together.
The conversations between the boys moved me to tears at time and one scene in the film is so powerful that it hurts. Eric hands Dexter his sneaker as a symbol that he will always be with him and that he will never have to be alone. The two young actors give amazing performances that are real and honest and tender.
Why this movie did not get the recognition it deserves is beyond me. The issue of AIDS is treated with sensibility and wit. It shows how two boys can make each others' lives richer as they teach each other about life. Watching Dexter overcome sadness and isolation is a beautiful experience and seeing Eric learn about the things
that are really important in life is amazing.
"The Cure" is quite simply a beautiful movie and is one of the most touching films I have ever seen. The friendship of these two boys is an ideal, a paragon of what friendship means. Brad Renfo turns in a beautiful performance and the direction by Peter Horton is perfect. He manages to create the mood and setting for each scene which pulls the viewer into the actions and emotions which brought about the friendship between the two boys and how hard they labored to overcome adversity. A movie which could have been very dark manages to be uplifting. It is bittersweet as it portrays a friendship that unflinchingly survives prejudice and a fatal illness without using sweetness.
February 11, 2008

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