Powder (1995) User Reviews (189)

I Appreciated This Film

[thedork-2 · 7/10 · 17 March 2004]

I have taken in hand the constructive criticism of others about this film. I've noticed that most people don't like the film because of Salva's criminal record. That's no reason to give it ill-repute.

The film itself is a little dodgy in parts and could have used some better acting from some of its stars. Sean Patrick Flanery does an amazing job as Jeremy Reed, and I believe he was well-suited for the part.

I didn't like Lance Henriksen's acting at all. I thought that the way he portrayed the character was a little too repetitive and boring. But then again, I don't care for him as an actor anyway. I think he's crotchety, annoying, and outdated; and the characters he chooses to play reminds me of the acclaim that Robert Redford always gets - undeserved.

The film is about a young man who suffers a birth "defect" after his pregnant mother is struck by lightning and killed. OK, I can understand some of this. He is raised by grandparents who soon begin to fear him and show him no emotion - not unlike his father. When his last grandparent dies he is left alone for a short period of time before he is discovered by the police. Our main character is highly intelligent, scared, telekinetic, and has an electric personality, not to mention he's an albino, too.

A social worker, Jessica, played by Mary Steenburgen is called to take over the boy's case and he is placed in a group living situation in a home. He is placed with delinquents and abandoned children who have no respect for him. I love Steenburgen and think she always does a good part in any film she is in. She's a fine actress, and though she may not be classed as "dazzlingly" beautiful, her charms show through no matter what character she plays. She's heart-warming, endearing, and always brings a good sense of love to a film.

Those who say that Salva's sexual undertones are present in the film can be dismissed right away. I knew nothing of Salva's past when I watched this film for the first time, and I noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Goldblum's character, who is a science teacher and befriends the boy, does a good job of interacting with him. He's not molesting him or harming him by holding his hand and giving him a long-needed hug. If you're assuming this shows sexual predators at work, I think you need to see the therapist, not Salva.

Also, the scene in which he is looking at another boy who is in the locker room is not about lust. He is longing to be able to do normal things that others do without being ridiculed. If you'll remember, it's the very next scene where they tell him he's a freak who is as "bald as a baby." He just wants to fit in, and it is at this point that I believe he realizes he doesn't.

Overall, this film does bring a sense of wonder to the viewer. If you sit back and take it all in, Salva is showing us what might happen if we all stop judging one another and start accepting human beings for their uniqueness. He's not trying to make you accept him for being a child predator. He's showing the world that people are ALL different, and if we spent a little less time being so blocked and full of hate, we might come to realize this and appreciate the aesthetic value of the human soul.

I gave this film a 7 out of 10 because I didn't like Lance Henriksen's performance at all, I thought some of the characters could have come through in the end (Why didn't his love interest stand up for herself against her father? Why were there loose strings here?), and I would have liked to have seen more "after the fact" wrap-ups when Jeremy becomes raw energy in the film's climax. Also, why in God's name does Powder have eyelashes if he is unable to grow hair? Huh? What? OK, so Sean does have pretty eyes, but, come on!

On a side note, for those of you who think that the Deputy Sheriff's character was a "stereotypical" cop character, giving the police a bad name...I have relatives who are police in a small town like this one, and you should hear THEM talk over the dinner table. It ISN'T much different.

A Film Of Emotional Power, Beauty, And Humanity

[CitizenCaine · 7/10 · 13 August 2003]

I have not seen any of Victor Salva's movies before until now. He is also the director of the recent horror film Jeepers Creepers. The actors are all quite good: Mary Steenburgen as the woman that tries to help, Lance Henriksen as the local sheriff, Jeff Goldblum as the science teacher, and especially Sean Patrick Flanery as Powder. The movie can be classified in a number of ways: uplifting drama, family picture, and horror. There are strong moments of absolute emotional power, beauty, and humanity as Powder tries to fit in amongst the local people, but ends up teaching them lessons about humanity instead. Powder's appearance seemed even Chaplin-like at times, emoting with the slightest variances in expressions like a mime. Like many uplifting family movies, Powder was hard to find. I had never heard of it before and wonder if it was ever in theaters even. I don't think the script was developed enough and it was a bit predictable at times. I would rate it a PG-13 movie because of the intensity in some scenes and innuendo in the bullying. Teenagers, who feel they don't fit in, will strongly identify with Powder and will probably love this movie. However, this is also a horror movie, but a different kind of horror movie. At first it seems to follow in Carrie's shoes, setting up a revenge plot. But the horror we see isn't a misfit student getting revenge in unspeakable ways on classmates. It's in the town's inability to treat Powder with humanity. *** of 4 stars.

Depressing, but extremely powerful and moving

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 7/10 · 11 February 2004]

Sean Patrick Flannery is an incredibly under rated actor after this remarkable performance he gave in "Powder", while the story is very dark and just not pleasant, he really gave it his all into this film and you can see how emotionally connected he is in it. We also have Mary Steinberg and Jeff Goldblum who give their all into their characters, I just think they were not that well developed enough. They could have had a little more.

The movie starts off with a mother and father rushing into labor, only on the way, unfortunately is struck by listening in a massive thunderstorm. She does not survive, but the baby does and the father is not only devastated but rejects his son. Sean plays Jeremy or as most people call him, "Powder" due to him being an albino. He is hidden in his grandparent's basement and has never been out of the house. When his grandmother passes, Jessica Caldwill, played by Mary Steinberg, convinces Jeremy that he must leave and they'll give him and home and school to attend. He does leave and slowly progresses towards what he thinks may be a better life.

When Donald Ripley, a school teacher, has the I.Q. results for Jeremy for his school, he is amazed. There is no score high enough for Jeremy, he's smarter than Albert Einstein. He can memorize book pages word for word, he knows agonizing math problems, and knows the pain of the world. He also has a mysterious power where he if he is exposed to electricity, he gets electrocuted. He also has the power to make people feel the same pain as they inflicted unto another, he also can read minds. Unfortunately, this isn't making him very popular with the jocks of the school who brutally torment him not just mentally but physically. There is only really Donald, Jessica, and another girl Lidnsey who want to be his friends. Only he's just not willing to except this world of pain when so many people doubt and torture him like Doug Barnum who is the town's sheriff and just thinks Jeremy is a freak. His wife is unfortunately dying and comes to Jeremy to ask for a favor and to help him find out what his wife wants. This scene is so extremely touching and tearful. The scene that got to most to me is when the boys go on a hunting trip and the coach shoots a deer for sport and are just laughing at this poor deer dying. Jeremy then takes his hand on the deer and his other hand on the coach and the coach starts to have somewhat of a seizure, and he made the coach feel the same pain he put on the deer. Poetic justice and well deserved I thought.

"Powder", despite being depressing, is a pretty decent picture worth viewing if you are in the mood for a sappy flick. But trust me, it is worth the it, you get a great performance that deserved more praise by Sean, also the same with Mary and Jeff. The acting just takes this movie to where it should be.

7/10

Brilliant.

[daveyboy-7 · 14 April 2000]

Many positive superlatives could not express the brilliance of this film. It astounds me that given the rather un-original state Hollywood has been in since 1980 (and continues to be in with the blatant and dull John Travolta rip-off of Phenomenon in 1996) that such a wonderful film was given the green light. It is always a rarity to see this type of masterpiece hit the screen... and a pleasure too. There was much controversy surrounding this film upon its initial release... mostly of the kind that had nothing to do with the actual movie. To that I can only say one thing... it takes more then one person to make a movie! Get over it. Besides the clever, thought provoking, tender, respectful and intelligent script penned by Victor Salva, he also does a top-notch job in the direction. I loved this movie, I own this movie and I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone.

A unique sci-fi drama.

[OllieSuave-007 · 7/10 · 20 September 2015]

This is a pretty touching film about a young, bald albino boy named Jeremy 'Powder' Reed (Sean Patrick Flannery) who has special powers that bewilders his community.

Flannery plays Reed pretty brilliantly, generating the audience's sympathy as he deals with his special condition and deal with adversities coming from members of his community, who ridicule him for his looks and unusual abilities.

The plot may not be fast-paced but it's a film that doesn't rely on the cliché Hollywood formula, instead, provides a unique story-line with a does of reality, despite its sci-fi elements. The acting was quite good, with a supporting role by Jeff Goldblum. Not a bad film overall.

Grade B

"Powder" lifts the spirits beyond the everyday!!

[MikeSmash · 7/10 · 10 February 2006]

There are very few films that take a simple storyline & deliver better than good performances but "Powder" breaks the rules. Sean Patrick Flannery gives a wonderful performance worthy of honorable mention. With an excellent ensemble cast consisting of Mary Steenburgen, Lance Henricksen, & Jeff Goldbloom, "Powder" excels on a grand scale where other lower budget movies have failed. Very few quirks in editing & subtle nuances did not hurt this film enough to let it's message shine.

"Powder" is the poignant story of Jeremy "Powder" Reed, an young introverted recluse who is stumbled upon when his grandparents pass away leaving him alone on their farm. Jeremy was born to a mother who was struck by lightning thus transforming the tiny newborn to the horror of his birth father, John Box. Jeremy is a special human being because of his albino skin & hairless body, telekinetic powers, & superior intellect. Jeremy has read voraciously, has never watched television, & has never been off his grandparent's farm. Jeremy has lived in the cellar his whole life, never to have experienced the outside world.

Found by a local sheriff Doug Barnum(Henricksen) & boys state school director Jessica Caldwell(Steenburgen), Jeremy is taken from the farm & placed in the state boys home to live. While at the state boys home, Jeremy is studied by staff, ridiculed & ostracized by fellow boys, & seen more as an "object" rather than a person. State Boy's Home teacher Donald Ripley(Goldbloom) takes to Jeremy & understands more than anyone who & what Jeremy really is; a genius who is closer to being the only perfect human ever on Earth. Sheriff Barnum, dealing with his spouse dying of cancer & a strained relationship with his only son, has a lot on his plate besides Jeremy. After several run-ins at the boys home, Jeremy strikes out on his own back to his grandparent's farm. Jeremy gets a ride home from Jessica who only wants whats right for him.

Sensing the sadness in Sheriff Doug Barnum's heart, Jeremy visits his home & uses his incredible gift to give him his dying wife's last thoughts. Barnum's wife's last thoughts were of him finally letting go of her & repairing his relationship with his son. Jeremy ultimately ends up at the farm with Jessica Caldwell & is confronted by the Sheriff Barnum & State Trooper Deputy Harley Duncan. Sensing the coming storm, Jeremy runs out to the field only to reach his most yearned for place, that being the freedom of pure energy. Jeremy is happy for the first time since his grandparent's death, & now he can join them in heaven.

"Powder" will warm your heart & produce a few tears for those who love a different kind of "feel-good" film. Flannery's performance is unforgettable & vaults him above his peers as an actor. Grab your snack, drink, & box of Kleenex for this one. Enjoy!!!!

A deeply moving story, thought provoking, and unforgettable.

[Bryce_Tech · 10/10 · 7 November 2004]

It is rare that I see a movie as unforgettable and unpredictable as Powder. I am not a man who is easily impressed with special affects, but in this movie the affects always served a purpose instead of covering up the fact that there was no purpose. In an age where movies have become multiple scenes of graphic violence and corny excuses for stories, Powder is refreshing, filled with the meaning of humanity, and moved me to tears throughout the entire film. With most films, I am able to predict exactly what will happen and when. With Powder I could never quite tell what was going to happen next, and the ending was something I would have never imagined would happen and could only be described as extraordinary. There are so many elements to this movie: The paranormal; the challenge to everything we think we know about science and the capabilities of the human mind; the human capacity for cruelty; love and forgiveness; and the hope that our own humanity will one day advance beyond our own technology. Most of all, the raw emotion of this great masterpiece reaches deep into the heart and leaves an impression that stays with you. This is one of those rare movies that you will never forget, a true classic that illustrates truths about humanity that have existed since the beginning of time.

A unique person. A conventional world. A very conformist movie. Still...

[abyoussef · 6/10 · 17 September 2005]

by Dane Youssef

Victor Salva's "Powder" is the kind of movie that when you first read it's screenplay, you'd think to yourself... God, this is so full of potential.

Think of the endless possibilities. It just needs a rewrite, maybe even a script doctor and we can make this the talked-about film of the year.

But the movie gets rushed into filming and it's left with an unfinished feeling.

It feels like the studio or the director wanted to make a movie about persecuted outsiders and then thought, "Well, we want this movie to drive people here in hoards. We need a mainstream film... so lets not make it too smart for people to follow and too deep for people to want to get into. We don't wanna go over people's heads."

It takes a truly original character and plugs him into a movie as routine and unremarkable as the bullying, red-neck catalysts who flaunt 85% of the film's supporting roles. Who just gawk and insult 'cause they're so damn screwed-up themselves, on a personal level.

Who's fault is this? The director... or the executives?

"Powder" has some moments that are almost Spielberg-Ian and insights that cause you to think. But there are too many others that almost feel phoned in.

Sean Patrick Flanery plays Jeremy Reed, nicknamed "Powder" is an amazing superhuman who is almost pure energy and conducts electricity better than water or metal. He has the ability to read minds, magnetize and he can also shatter glass telepathically. He is also a genius.

The movie begins with an establishing scene where an expectant mother is driven screaming in an ambulance to the nearest hospital. And not only has her water broke, she has just been struck by lightning.

The father demands to see him. The baby is screaming inside the oxygen tent as if it's a burn victim. It almost seems to know what's going on right now. The cries are deafening and heartbreaking.

And the father abandons him. The boy lives with his grandparents until they die and poor Powder is once again without family.

People who find Powder downstairs in the basement, hiding. From them. From outsiders. From the world.

They bundle him up, take him away to a reform school. Why?

Um... shouldn't he be sent to an orphanage or something? Why throw him in with criminals who can't be tried as adults?

Oh, the formula. Sorry, I forgot.

Jeremy is bullied all throughout the movie and takes way too long to retaliate. As if the director is getting too damn into this or has time to kill. Even when it's clear there's no other choice. "Not much fight in you, huh?" asks one of them at one point. Obviously not.

I can't tell if we takes so long to just use his abilities because he's afraid, he's too good... or the film's gotta too much time to kill and the director's enjoying lashing back.

We see Jeremy's pale as death skin and his defined male form. Salva incorporates this scene because of his preference for the male physique. He shows male nudity in a lot of his movies and homosexual elements. There is a moment that suggests that Jeremy might be gay or some of the other kids in the film might have those elements as well.

These scenes are well-drawn, no doubt related to Salva's experiences dealing with his own sexuality. Salva himself is gay, yes.

Which explains a lot of the endless elaborate homo put-downs throughout the movie and male nudity as well. Even the southern redneck kids don't mind too much getting a gander at Powder's privates.

Of course we need (yes, NEED) scenes where Jeremy is persecuted for the way he is. But there are too many of those. They take up way too much of the movie. A scene in a cafeteria, in the woods and in the gymnasium that moves outside onto the field.

There are many, many scenes where Jeremy shows his endless powers. Yet too many people are slow to catch on, even the smart ones.

There's a truly great scene where a redneck hick deputy sheriff (Brandon Smith) shoots a deer and Powder uses an empathy power so the deputy can feel the deer's pain and suffering.

And another where Jeremy is getting involved with the only sweet girl in town and they have a moment where they share kind of Vulcan mind-meld.

He has every superpower known to man. He's smart, sweet, kind and all-powerful.

But for some reason, he lacks the ability to do the simplest thing and the most obvious thing when the opportunity is right there. So does pretty much everyone else in this film most of the time.

I asked myself, why?

Oh, the formula. Sorry, I forgot.

Jeff Goldblum believes in Jeremy and thinks he could be an advanced step in human evolution. He delivers eloquence about where he explains what Powder is and again later with everything wrong with humanity and how we haven't moved very far in the great human race. And Jeremy could be humanity's answer.

The ending is inevitable, but sad. I guess there was just no other way for Powder or the movie. But you walk away wishing Powder AND the movie itself just did more than have big moments involving special effects, dealing with antagonists and only occasionally having a real moment.

Still, it's a nice renter. Goldblum's lines about humanity will make you think and Patrick Flanery's performance as the title character are all worthwhile.

And there are several scenes that really do stay stuck with you....

by Dane Youssef

Some movies touch the audience; this one seizes the individual

[jaysaze · 10/10 · 11 January 2005]

The movie 'Powder' is a return to innocence. It possesses a spiritual quality that opens the eyes to life. And it lends a soothing note to those questions for which their seems to be more questions and few answers. Sean Patrick Flannery's performance was so powerful that one could actually feel the unconditional love within the heart and soul of the character that he played. The concepts that were brought forward, the passion that came with every dramatic scene, and the sense of realism and truth made it one of the most thought provoking movies of all time. Powder was not based on a true story, but it is, I feel, everybody's true story in some way, and it is as powerful, passionate, and inspirational as any true story I have ever seen. Some viewers may wish to begrudge the apparent perfection portrayed by the lead character. However, his only perfection was the way he searched so deep, often at great personal expense, for the suppressed perfection in everyone, and the hidden perfection in everything. I was somewhat disappointed by how the family quality of the movie was spoiled by the use of language by the school bully. Still, a must see for anybody who enjoys a thought provoking film once in a while. Even if you're a person who would prefer to sit down with a good book, as am I, the movie 'Powder' is definitely worth your time. In conclusion: 'Powder' is one of my favourite movies of all time. Seconded, in my opinion, only to 'The Boondock Saints'; also starring Sean Patrick Flannery.

pure energy

[Mickey Knox · 6/10 · 18 December 2000]

Powder is an enjoyable drama, with many good points of view and very good acting. Jeremy (Sean Patrick Flannery) is an albino kid that spent all his life in the basement of his home, spending time with his grandfolks or reading. Once both his grandparents die, he's discovered and taken in the real world. It's all about discovering the world through the eyes of a teenager that hasn't seen almost nothing yet. Because of his white skin and paranormal abilities he's considered a freak by some people, that keep making fun of him. Seeing the real face of the world, brutal, tough and ugly, Jeremy's only wish is to get back home.

Sean Patrick Flannery is great as Jeremy, aka Powder. He does a very good job with a difficult role. Most scenes are well created and almost every time touching, but the ending seemed to me a bit below expectations.

Vote: 6.5 out of 10.

Frustratingly follows an acute by-the-numbers fashion

[moonspinner55 · 5/10 · 6 July 2001]

Albino teenager--psychic, telekinetic, brilliant--is found orphaned in a rural home and is brought out into the cold cruel world for the first time. Writer-director Victor Salva follows every cliché down the path to predictability; he effectively wrings emotion from tender scenes, though he lays the schoolyard bully stuff on mighty thick. Consequently, his terrific finale is nearly overshadowed by the heavy-handed treatment (with lots of nasties in the supporting line-up). Fine cast--including Sean Patrick Flanery, Mary Steenburgen, Jeff Goldblum, Lance Henriksen, Ray Wise and Susan Tyrrell--turn in solid performances. ** from ****

The message is quite clear for all of us........

[spookymarsh · 10/10 · 2 November 2005]

A story that encapsulates where we as a race are heading for a very bad outcome indeed. As clearly stated in the film by Jeff Goldblum's character, " when technology surpasses humanity". We as a species are in severe danger and crisis over how we perceive what our lives are truly about. We are losing our humanity by advancements in our technology that serve only to relieve us of harnessing our one true purpose that makes us unique within our humanity........Choice. The film also shows that a pure and unique individual is not accepted within those who are already lost of their own humanity. I find myself relating to 'powder' in many ways, albeit minus his physical and other obvious electrical abilities. But I do understand his humanity and choice to make humane decisions that do affect all of us. And his feeling of isolation and not 'fitting in' to his fellow kind. Hopefully one day we can be at a point where our humanity will rise above our technological demands, otherwise we are on a roller-coaster ride to self destruction. Good film,good message.

Crowd pleasing tearjerker schlock

[deadbull-95171 · 7/10 · 31 March 2023]

In the tradition of Charly (Flowers for Algernon), Green Mile, or. Phenomenon, etc., we again get a tragic doomed character, a 'super-genius', too beautiful to live in our hideous world,.....tormented, reviled, Christlike, who finally has to die to complete the dramatic arc. Along the way he saves by the laying on of hands , usually has telekinesis and an I. Q. that dwarf's Einstein's.

This time the creature is unusually frail and pathetic, but of course possessed of a meta-understanding that allows him to transcend the continual abuses and indignities of being forced to fit in with the common rabble, barbarians all. Of course he finds a few along the way he converts to his side, and it is amusing to watch these hard boiled normal earthlings trying to act dewy- eyed when they realize they have been persecuting a Saint.

Be all this as it may., I think Cliff Robertson's Charly, probably, made the point, whatever the point is, the best. Nowadays things have to be exaggerated and dressed up in tons of CGI to make any impression on our deadened sensibilities, and that point too is underscored in the final scene before Powder disappears into the clouds from whence he came forth, with Jeff Goldblum intoning a teary prayer that one day our humanity may surpass our technology. Fat chance of that! The car you drive is the personality, you're just the brainless gooey interior consumer wetware that provides the pipeline from your bank to the corporation.

trying to be so profound

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 28 March 2015]

Jeremy 'Powder' Reed (Sean Patrick Flanery) is an albino. His mother died in childbirth. His father disowned him. Sheriff Barnum (Lance Henriksen) investigates a dead elderly man and discovers his grandson Powder hiding in the basement. Powder has never been to school and little contact with the outside world except in books. Social services worker Jessie Caldwell (Mary Steenburgen) places him to all boy's Central home and to the high school of small town Wheaton City. His special powers causes fear, fascination and isolation. Physics teacher Donald Ripley (Jeff Goldblum)'s electricity demonstration gets out of hand. Fellow student Lindsey is fascinated but John Box picks on him.

The kid is an albino and everybody acts like they've seen a ghost even before he shows his powers to them. I'm not sure what kind of backwards 'To Kill a Mockingbird' hick town this is suppose to be. I'm willing to buy the teen bullies. However the 'kid' actors are not that compelling. It's as if the casting agent is good at casting adults but has no clue how to get good young actors. Sean Patrick Flanery does his best but his character is emotionally limited. He isn't allowed to be happy. The bullies are trying too hard and the girl doesn't have the charisma. John Box is closer to 30. The movie is trying so hard to be profound that it doesn't ring anywhere close to true. People are too stupid. People are too mean-spirited. The melodrama is too high. The actors sound fake. Powder is basically either going to be a superhero or supervillain. This could be a great comic book origin movie but every character is slightly wrong.

I really like this movie, it is "pure energy."

[TxMike · 27 October 2000]

Sean Patrick Flanery, better known as Indiana Jones in the several "Young Indiana Jones" films, plays "Powder", an albino whose mother was struck by lightning right before he was born. Mom died, dad disowned him, and Powder grew up in the basement of his grandparents' home, learning everything into his teenage years just by reading books. And he knew every book, down to being able to recite anything on any page!

He is discovered after his one remaining grandparent dies. He is evaluated and put into a home for boys. Being unpigmented and totally hairless, everyone stares at him, and the bullies in school treat him badly. It is discovered that he has the highest I.Q. ever recorded, and when an "educator" asks him if he knows what that means, he replies, "If you really believe that about me, why are you asking me that question?" Good script writing.

In a very powerful scene, after a deer is shot, Powder touches the deer and grasps the hunter, and transfers the feelings such that the hunter feels what the deer feels as it dies. That realization totally changes the man, one of the local deputies.

Another is when Powder helps the sheriff understand what his dying wife wants, which turns out only for the father and son to reconcile.

Jeff Goldblum, like every movie he is in, is the "scene stealer" in each scene he is in. He is such a good actor, especially when he plays a scientist, as he does here. he realizes that Powder is something special, and closer to being "pure energy" than anyone before. His classroom demo of "Jakob's Ladder" goes haywire when all the electricity is attracted towards Powder, literally lifting him off the floor. Which was a sign of things to come, during the interaction with lightning during the final scene.

"Powder" is an absorbing film, obviously fictional, but thought-provoking. I rate it a strong "8" of 10.

This film uses the albinism and electrical energy as a vehicle to explore the concept of "different", and works the issue of how far humanity needs to come to respect each other, and especially embrace each others' differences.

Mary Steenburgen is cast as the social worker who first rescues Powder from the cellar, and who tries to find a way for him to live a normal life.

it makes sense to set this in Texas

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 29 May 2006]

Maybe it's a cliché to cast Jeff Goldblum as a nerd in "Powder", but the movie is actually worth seeing. Portraying an albino teenager (Sean Patrick Flanery) upsetting his Texas town via his mental abilities, the movie really gives you a feeling of the Lone Star State. I will admit that a story of people ostracizing a different kind of person has been used many times before, but the whole thing about the title character's mental abilities made this one unique.

All in all, this is a movie that I recommend. I noticed that the cop looked like Pat Buchanan - and acted like him too. The aforementioned cast members, plus Mary Steenburgen and Lance Henriksen, all do quite well in their roles. I sure didn't see that ending coming.

An absolute treasure

[mikehunnt-68097 · 7/10 · 14 June 2023]

The success of "Powder" can be attributed in no small part to the incredible performances of its cast. Sean Patrick Flanery delivers an exceptional portrayal of Powder, perfectly capturing the character's vulnerability, innocence, and wisdom beyond his years. Jeff Goldblum, playing the role of Donald Ripley, the science teacher who becomes Powder's mentor, brings his signature charm and wit to the film, creating a dynamic and heartfelt relationship between the two characters. The supporting cast, including Lance Henriksen and Mary Steenburgen, also excel in their respective roles, adding depth and authenticity to the film.

Simple story, but a powerful emotive film

[RIK-22 · 9/10 · 27 August 2002]

If someone explained the plot of Powder to me, I would assume it was some sappy, simple, over emotional clap trap, from someone like Spielberg. Yet when I actually saw the film, I found it to be deep, intelligent and very moving.

There are some things wrong with the film, a number of the characters are stereotypes and some parts of the plot are a little unexpected. If you ignore these simple problems, the quality of the direction and acting shine through, to provide an excellent film.

I very rarely say this, but I think, Sean Patrick Flanery's performance is one the most remarkable I have ever seen. Tender and awkward, without looking false.

Overall an excellent film, but maybe for the more mature viewer.

A genuinely bizarre film

[Chromium_5 · 7/10 · 8 January 2005]

This is a weird movie (overlooked and boycotted because everyone hates the director with a passion), but a kinda-sorta good movie all the same. It has commendable points to make about hate and prejudice, but overall it was a bit too New Age for me, tossing around bizarro ideas about humans evolving into energy beings and the interconnectedness of the universe. The ending especially drives home the "May the force be with you" attitude, and takes away any realism the movie might have had. The storyline is basically "The Green Mile" meets "Carrie" meets "Phenomenon" meets "E.T.," and it left me with a truly odd feeling. I appreciate the moral, but it's less the moral that sticks with you than "Well, THAT was different."

7/10 stars.

Amazing, true and bittersweet

[XkukolX · 10/10 · 10 April 2006]

I love this movie. Beautiful, amazing, heartwarming. It just goes to prove, looks are worthless. I cry several times throughout this movie every time I watch it.Wonderful movie, period! (Not to mention he's physically attractive, but thats another story all together.) But man, I wish it were real! The most odd looking people are usually the most intelligent and kind. That proves correct in most cases. I feel his sadness watching him, and the beginning is heartbreaking. The other characters in the movie, I really dislike for their treatment of him. Ignorance is bliss, but harmful. But I don't see how these other people can rate it a 5. something! I can't comprehend that, there is nothing wrong with it!

He Should Have Become A Superhero.

[Matt_Layden · 7/10 · 20 July 2009]

Knocking off another film on a list recommended by PW, this time it's Victor Salva's Powder. This is the second Salva film to appear in this thread, the first was the co called return to B-Horror Jeepers Creepers. One film is about style, one is about substance. Guess which one is which.

A lot of people hate Salva's film simply because of his criminal record, which is weird because I don't usually hear the same mud flinging when people review a Roman Polanksi film. He hasn't done much work in his career, which pretty much consists of Jeepers Creepers I & II and Powder, then there are a bunch of other films that not a lot of people have seen. To say this is his best isn't really saying much, so I'll just say it's his bravest, as well as those involved.

Sean Patrick Flanery gives a wonderful performance here, you feel his heartache from just his eyes. His dedication to the role is admirable. There are certain actors that when you cast them, you know exactly what your getting, case in point: Jeff Golblum. The guy has the exact same style in everyone one of his movies, yet he still remains likable, at least to me.

The film has some bits that really bring it down, but it also has some really powerful scenes. The "bald as a baby" bit where they disrobe him is the most powerful scene in my opinion. Here is a guy who just wants to be normal, who longs for something insignificant to us, but near and dear to him. He is then humiliated for this.

I wasn't too big a fan of the climax ending, when he becomes raw energy or something. It was interesting, but just didn't really sit well with me. The film dipped into science fiction, then it went full throttle at the end there.

On a side note: If he can't grow hair, why does he have eyelashes?

disgraceful

[unendurable_lampoonery · 1/10 · 24 April 2011]

well, at first i enjoyed this movie to an extent, then found out about the director's (Victor Selva) horrible past. a confessed child molester, he compares himself to the main character of this film, this is how he felt in jail, well I'm sorry, an albino has a lot less choice than a dirty pedophile who actually molested a child while making his first movie, the horrible over rated clown house.

this movie would actually be good if the director did not write the main character based of himself, a dirty old man.

disgraceful director, and a bad person to even compare himself to an amazingly powerful character, this movie is mediocre, at best, it would be better if i had not have read the directors statements on this movie.

3-10 stars.

A "Best of All Times"

[Midnight · 10/10 · 20 February 2004]

I honestly can't understand why some people disliked, or even hated this movie. I absolutely adore this movie. I think the acting is great (but then I again, I happen to love both Jeff Goldbloom and Lance Henrickson), and I also feel that Sean Patrick Flanery put on an awesome performance. This movie resonates with anyone who was the underdog in school, as I, and many were when they were young. The story is touching, emotional, and liberating. I don't think I've ever watched this once without crying. Add to that the spectactular soundtrack (which some movie-watchers often overlook), and this movie is right up there on my own "Best of All Times" list. If you haven't seen this, I only ask that you ignore the negative comments until you've had the chance to watch it yourself and make up your own mind... you might be pleasantly surprised.

Yep, it's manipulative, and has been done before, but it's one that will make you cry if it doesn't annoy you.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 14 February 2023]

Getting past the scandalous situations considering it's director, this tearjerker may not be rather original, but it's certainly worth a watch if not praise. Sean Patrick Flanery is the title character, a teenager born with pigmentation that kept him housebound for years, and when he ends up going to a nearby boy's school, he of course is immediately bullied, but that only brings out some supernatural powers that he has, a variation of Frankenstein's monster and Edward Scissorhands, yet a completely natural creation from birth rather than mad scientist. With the aide of social workers Mary Steenburgen and Jeff Goldblum, Flanery is able to adjust to life out in the world, even capturing the attention of sweet fellow student Melissa Lahlitah Crider, someone with an equally pure soul who sees Flanery for his beautiful character and innocent soul, someone who is able to make others feel the pain around them, particularly a hunter who shoots a deer and gets to feel what it's going through as it dies. That scene is truly heartbreaking, as is a reunion scene between another man touched by Flanery's soul, unable to let go of the love of his comatose wife that results in a very haunting scene.

Complicated in many ways and a bit depressing, this is a commentary on the judgments of society on things that they don't understand, dealing with high school age kids and adults. Flanery's character can see into the minds of everyone whom he comes into contact with, making the bully who harasses him briefly break down in tears by revealing his past, and that leads to a very harsh scene of humiliation that shows his supernatural powers leading to his vengeance by showing he has what it takes to handle his enemies. The film takes on some very weird twists as it heads towards a dark conclusion, and while it is definitely captivating, it becomes very clear that this will not go into the directions that the viewer expects it to. Because of that, individual viewers will definitely have mixed feelings about it with some absolutely captivated throughout and loving it while others will find it ridiculous and filled with absurdities. Sincere performances, with Flanery, Steenburgen and Goldblum absolutely amazing, and Lance Henriksen quite wonderful as the sheriff whose life completely changes as a result of meeting powder, AKA Jeremy.. The film could have been a lot more powerful had to tried not to overwhelm the audience with emotion, demonstrated by it's very over the top musical score. The ending has elements that will have some audience members rolling their eyes while others are sobbing uncontrollably. I found I was somewhere in between so did really didn't have much of an impact on me as it wrapped up.

Predictable pap

[rod-ruger · 2/10 · 17 June 2015]

Another movie created from a sure-to-succeed formula. Take a kid who does not fit the mold (albino), make a bunch of idiots dislike him, give him super-powers and an exceptional IQ (though he never displays it), play lots of tear-jerk music, etc., etc. Bingo…a hit! It would have been an even bigger hit if there were shooting, blood, a car chase, pointless sex scenes, big hooters, and an alien. Are moviegoers this simple minded or have movie studios trained us to appreciate slop? I suppose if all one has ever eaten is porridge, a basic burger is wonderful. This movie was not close to being a basic burger. It might be a stale bun. The kid's "super-power" was that he was a semi-telepathic super-magnet. Hope that does not ruin the movie for you. It should not...the movie was a ruin from the get-go. The end was as sappy as the movie, so at least it was consistent. Yuck.