I didn’t get the chance to see “Martian Child” while it was in theaters, but with the DVD being released for sale on Tuesday, Feb. 12, I was offered a pre-release copy to view. I love John Cusack – in fact I’ve seen at least 20 of his films – so I was excited to check out this film based on a short story (and later a book) by David Gerrold.

“Martian Child” tells the story of science fiction author David Gordon (Cusack), who has recently become a widower. David and his late wife Mary had planned to adopt, and David feels the need to continue with their plans despite his self-doubt about his own parenting abilities. When David goes to the foster home to meet his potential adoptee, he discovers that Dennis (Bobby Coleman) isn’t your typical little boy. Rather, Dennis believes he is from Mars, and no one can tell him otherwise.

While living together on a trial basis, David and Dennis grow closer, with Dennis trusting David more with each passing day. As their relationship progresses, David teaches Dennis the ropes about being an “earthling” with the help of David’s friend Harlee (Amanda Peet) and his sister Liz (Joan Cusack). Dennis’s continued insistence that he is a Martian, however, begins to draw ire from the school system and criticism from the adoption review committee.

So, is Dennis really a Martian or is his claim rooted in a deep, emotional fear and, either way, will David be able to save him before the adoption review committee separates them for good?

The story is based on Gerrold’s own experiences as an adoptive parent, although his son never believed he was a Martian. The film captures, with an interesting twist thrown in, a really emotionally vibrant tale about heartache and loss and the difficult road back to happiness.

Both David and Dennis have lost something essential to their beings – for David it’s his wife and for Dennis, his parents. The idea of cohabiting with a stranger in an effort to heal seems foreign to both parties and would be for anyone in a similar situation.

The film is funny and sweet and really heartbreaking at times as well. Coleman, at 10 years old, is the brightest star of the bunch with an exceptional performance. He’s completely adorable as the self-proclaimed Martian child, and his ability to make you believe in his own convictions is astonishing. With little more than a cock of his head, a grin or a few lines, he can capture even the most impervious hearts.

Cusack turns in a classic performance as the slightly-unstable, yet fun and emotionally approachable lead. His performance is reminiscent of his role as Lloyd Dobler in “Say Anything” in that he is a lovable guy, trying to do the right thing, but with a fair amount of insecurity in most everything he does save one: write science fiction novels.

Joan Cusack is present yet again as John Cusack’s sister (a role she’s quite familiar with both in life and on screen), and, as always, adds humor to the film.

Where the film struggles is in its editing and script. Not that the script, in and of itself, is a problem, rather the length and pacing of the film could use some work. There was one point during which I was sure the film was concluding, only to go back into mid-story mode minutes later. Some streamlining through editing could have helped this film, but overall it’s not a major flaw.

While “Martian Child” isn’t going to go down in the history books as a masterpiece, it’s definitely something different for film aficionados. The story is interesting and heartwarming, and rated a family-friendly PG as well. “Martian Child” will be released on DVD for purchase on Tuesday, Feb. 12.

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