Finding Forrester is a story similar to director Gus Van Sant's previous effort Good Will Hunting; smart young lad is intelligent, mentor/communicator uncovers his talent and all live happily ever after. This film is probably the worse of the two Van Sant recent efforts, and mistakes of the past have not been corrected. The only major flaw with the film is the lack of believable conflict with baddie professor Robert Crawford (F. Murray Abraham) overplaying his role somewhat to countenance this problem.
Nevertheless, the plot development does happen, albeit slowly, and the character development is well above average. Sean Connery (as William Forrester) brings out a good performance along with young first time co-star Rob Brown (as Jamal Wallace). The two actors seem to bond well together on film and deliver a good and relatively believable performance until the end where it all gets a little over the top. All in all a good film to watch, quite enjoyable if you're in the mood for some laid-back drama.

Adapted from the play by Terrence Rattigan (and scene for scene re-make of 1948 film starring Robert Donat et al) and based on a Yes incident. Follows the trials and tribulations of the upper middle class Winslow family, in their struggle to clear the name of their son wrongfully sacked from the Royal Navy Academy in 1910 for the alleged theft of a 5-shilling postal order. This is a wonderful period piece, the stage origins of which are clearly evident from wordy nature of the action. Leonard Maltin describes it as, an "absorbing' story as much about contemporary social mores and conventions as the case itself". Superlative performance by Hawthorne leading a great cast and sound scripting ensure an enjoyable and rewarding viewing experience. Nourishment for the mind.