Powder (1995)

“If you thought I was so intelligent would you ask me if I understood?” – Powder

Number of Times Seen – 2 (Video in the 90’s and 26 Aug 2018)

Brief Synopsis – After his guardian is found dead, a young boy with extraordinary powers is discovered by a social worker who tries to help him become part of society.

My Take on it – This is a film that I saw once over twenty years ago and didn’t remember much about it.

The premise is quite interesting and attempts to show how a person who uses untapped brain power can possibly live in our world and seem to be superhuman due to the added power.

Unfortunately, the story doesn’t play out as well as the potential makes it seem because it relies too heavily on normal coming of age cliches that are laughable instead of poignant.

The cast is quite good and both Sean Patrick Flanery (Young Indian Jones Chronicles) and Mary Steenburgen stand out among the rest.

Jeff Goldblum is fun as a high school science teacher trying to learn more about this boy and Lance Hendrickson plays the town Sheriff who both do their best to help the main character find ways to hone his abilities yet also still try and feel like a normal member of society despite these abilities.

Since this isn’t a big budget film, the special effects used seem a bit archaic yet they still manage to help the story move along.

Bottom Line – Interesting idea that just doesn’t work as well as one would hope. The story has a lot of potential, but parts are wasted on stereotypical events instead of trying to find innovative ways to tell this story. The cast is great and both Flanery and Steenburgen stand out here.  Goldblum and Hendrickson are pretty good in supporting roles who also try and help this young boy in other facets of his life.  The special effects are a bit shaky, yet it still helps the story move along.

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – There was a great deal of consternation among many of the cast and crew when it came to light halfway through production that director Victor Salva had been convicted for child molestation several years earlier. The main cause of concern was that many of the production members had brought their family to the set. (From IMDB)

Rating – BAFTA Worthy (6/10)

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