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Review

There was Gigot, Charly, and Leonardo DiCaprio in What's Eating Gilbert Grape as some of screendom's best and worst mentally challenged characters. But nothing any of them did on-screen is enough to prepare for the sentimental outburst of bombast exhibited by this aren't-we-sensitive-and-funny-at-the-same-time comedy-drama. Lewis plays Carla, who comes home after years in a special school and ready to tackle the world. Of course, Mom (Keaton) and Dad (Skerritt) are concerned. She enrolls in community college, and meets fellow spirit Danny (Ribisi). They fall in love, but must withstand interference and prejudice around them. Director Marshall is in overkill mode with this unsubtle story, and the screenplay offers little of the sensitivity it pretends to contain. At least Lewis and Ribisi offer good performances, though the script doesn't really make it worth their effort.