Val Kilmer, although good-looking with an expressive voice, lacks the range to portray Virgil convincingly, and the movie's script and slack plotting do nothing to fill in the blanks. Virgil's difficulties in adapting to the sighted world warrant more screen time. Ironically Sorvino, the better actor, has the easier part. It would be good to see her in a role that offers more scope. Kelly McGillis also shines as the protective elder sister.
Excessive sentimentality mars the film in many ways.
Cliches litter the script, and the amount of time devoted to developing the love story prevents viewers from learning as much as they might like about Virgil's road to sight. Plus, the story drags towards the end. More importantly, it inspires the desire to learn more about the book and case on which the film is based. Lisa-Anne Sanderson Click here to share your views.