The Mosquito Coast (Widescreen/Full Screen)

Ford as Allie Fox is an inventor, a genius, a man too smart for the world around him. He is a mechanical engineer who takes his family to Central America in search of Utopia, as he defines it. Of course, his family does not want to leave behind civilization and all of the comforts that home brings, but no one can resist his will. Perhaps that and his abrasive irritating manner are aspects of his insanity.

He does not expect to find another zealot, particularly in the form of Reverend Spellgood (Andre Gregory) who has determined to bring Christianity to the natives. Fox's goal is to bring his definition of civilization. The conflict and comparison between two very strong characters is part of what makes Paul Theroux's story work

River Phoenix as Charlie, the son who comes of age, and through whose eyes we see this story, is brilliant. Helen Mirrin, recently of 'Calendar Girls,' is stunning; her portrayal of a woman in love with her family, wanting to support her husband, yet protect her family is touching. John Seale's, directory of photography, work is outstanding, and reminds me of other fascinating movies brought to life by the careful use of lights, shadows, and lush, verdant scenery.

Ford's portrayal of the disintegration of a brilliant man, inventor, know-it-all, family despot is compelling, but gets lost in the slow, tedious complexities of a long journey - both mentally and the one his family travels. Yet, it has been almost twenty years since I saw the theatrical release, and I remember this film. I still think about it, wonder about motives and actions - and that is what makes this an excellent film, in my opinion.

This is one of the most difficult films to rate because it was overly long and somewhat wearisome, but it is also powerful. However, when actors, a story, and cinematography linger in my imagination and analysis processes since 1986, I must give it five stars. I know that some people will be bored because it is slow, but I will watch it many times to enjoy the nuances.

Victoria Tarrani

If the viewer doesn't expect Ford's feel-good characters from past performances, the movie will not be quite as disorienting as when I watched it. Being accustomed to cheering for Ford's characters in previous movies, it was confusing and frustrating to see him so thick-headed. While you may know people like Allie Fox, as I do, let's hope he's not you.

The story of a father taking his family into the wild has been explored many times, often with a mid-life crisis element involved. Here, an incredibly intelligent inventor who lacks common sense shoves his family into amazingly difficult situations. He believes his thoughts are perfectly reasoned, that life will be perfect after carrying out his plan. I feel logic dictates that perfection is impossible. Certainly, some deep discussion can occur after the movie's credits.

With half of marriages ending in divorce nowadays, many will watch this film and say, "Why doesn't she divorce this stooge?" However, even mismanaged families want to stick together, especially when kids are involved; this realization makes the spouse's questionable actions a touch more believable.

The supporting cast is very solid, with every performance believable. Not a single weak link really exists here, and the cinematography drops you right in the middle of the jungle.

I enjoyed the movie simply to see Harrison Ford truly acting. The Mosquito Coast shows his range as an actor. A good watch for true fans of Harrison Ford, plus a lot of food for thought.