The Mosquito Coast

Starring: Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, River Phoenix, Andre Gregory, Conrad Roberts, Jadrien Steele, Hilary Gordon, Rebecca Gordon, Jason Alexander, Dick O'Neill, Martha Plimpton
Directed by: Peter Weir
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Thriller
1986

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: An inventor (Harrison Ford) moves his wife (Helen Mirren) and children to Central America, where he plans to start their own society, in the jungle.

Review:

Tim: I decided to watch The Mosquito Coast after reading a surprising movie fact- that Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren made a movie together in the 1980s. I had no idea, so I looked it up. I sat down to watch this film with no other context for the movie. I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed this film. It's unique, challenging, so different to the standard Hollywood fare. I recognize not everyone will feel the same, but I really, really enjoyed Peter Weir's film.

The story feels like it has real depth to it. It follows Harrison Ford's inventor, who brings his wife and four kids away from Massachusetts and into the wilds of Central America. He has turned sour on America and civilization and wants to form his own utopia, deep in the jungle. He rages against religion and all the trappings of society, warning that civilization is on the fast path to nuclear war. The character seems brilliant and a bit mad. Interesting, but made substantially more so with his wife and kids in tow. The film examines the impact he has on his immediate family. I found this fascinating. I've been all too aware of my own influence on the lives of my children, mostly for good, I hope. But, kids will certainly find their own path as well. I loved seeing that on screen- kids almost worship their parents up to a certain age, when they start to rebel against them. That's not the main focus of this film, but I loved all those moments of exploring that.

I also loved that in this story, the inventor isn't just a crackpot- he's actually brilliant and he does manage to achieve his goal, to a certain extent. Those scenes were remarkable, watching him build a new society in the jungle, using his ingenuity and resourcefulness. This comes with his own sermons about life and the world, which make a fascinating contrast to a nearby missionary, preaching his religious brand of salvation. I loved the duality between these two- faith vs. reason in the flesh. The scenes of this family and the other inhabitants slowly building a town were truly entertaining. I won't spoil the twists and turns that come next, but I wasn't prepared for the journey the Fox family would depart upon. It was intense, challenging, unexpected, and entertaining. I found their story truly compelling and I really enjoyed the movie.

It helps that a solid cast is in place. I really like Harrison Ford, although I haven't always been convinced of his acting talent. I think, especially later in life, he really stopped caring about roles. He'd show up and do his thing, but I've rarely believed he was all in, totally invested in his roles. That wasn't the case here. I was amazed at how he embraced this role, how he stepped into this character. It's a stunning performance and one that I didn't know Ford had in him. I was mesmerized by his work here. That really makes the movie, in my mind- Ford is energetic and a bit crazy, sermonizing, building civilization, defending his family. He really does a great deal in this film. Helen Mirren gives a strong performance, but her ability to influence the film is sadly limited. She's effective, but mostly has to stay in Ford's shadow. I liked her work, I just wish she had more moments to shine. I thought River Phoenix was outstanding. It's such a tough reminder of the immense talent of this young man, taken from the world far too soon. He's just perfect as the eldest son, caught between love and adoration of his father and the increasing suspicion that the family patriarch is leading them down the wrong path. He's excellent. Conrad Roberts adds a great supporting performance, immediately making the movie better every time he steps on screen. It was fun to see Jason Alexander and Dick O'Neill in small roles, but they quickly vanish from the film. Andre Gregory was incredible as the missionary priest. His performance felt so authentic. I really did enjoy the cast here.

There's a few overly convenient aspects to the story and it does drag in a few places, but these aren't incredible flaws. They might prevent the film from being great, but I still was wildly entertained and thoroughly engrossed by the story. Peter Weir has made some really good movies and I'd definitely consider The Mosquito Coast one of them.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Witness, Stand by Me, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade