A really overrated movie

I already saw this movie but since it was ages ago, I was quite eager to check it out again. Obviously, it is a big classic from the 80's but, to be honest, I have never been a huge fan of this flick. First of all, I don’t think it grew old very well. Was everybody really so clueless about autism back in those days? I mean, at some point, a doctor mentioned that Raymond was not so ‘bad’ since he was still able to communicate whereas his autism was actually fairly extreme and that comment was coming from an actual doctor. On top of that, it really annoys me every time when these guys from Hollywood make a picture about an autist as he always has to be some kind of genius... Of course, some autists are really gifted but just as much as neurotypical people (my stepson is autistic, he is a great guy and I love him but he is just a regular block, no great special talents and it doesn't make him less wonderful or interesting). Then, I have to admit that it took some guts from Tom Cruise to take the usual cocky arrogant character he was always playing at the time and turned him into some major unlikable douchebag. However, it was rather cringe-inducing to see Charlie pretty much molesting his autistic brother through most of the duration. The fact that he suddenly had a change of heart and out of nowhere grew a conscience during the final act was also hardly convincing. Still, I have to admit it, Dustin Hoffman gave quite an impressive performance and he must have fought very hard to be able to keep the character as it is without softening the edges. Anyway, to conclude, in spite of its flaws, I have to admit that it is actually fairly entertaining but it is far from being a great movie and it must be one of the most overrated movies ever made.


6/10