Pura energía

Much was written at the time of it's release, mostly concerning the conviction of it's writer/director Victor Salva on a sexual molestation charge. All that aside "Powder" remains a extraodinary film worth a look. A young man is dicovered living in the basement of his recently deceased Grandmother. Obviously an albino he soons reveals a intellect and abilities unlike any human before him. Sean Patrick Flannery gives a great performance as the youth.Salva does a fine job of coveying his difficult entry into surroundings he's never expereinced. Others in the cast are very good as well including Mary Steenburgen as the head of the school he is sent to, Lance Henrickson as the local sherrif in a more sensitive role for him, And finally Jeff Goldblum as the science teacher who realizes what the young man is and the potential of mankind to evolve into a more humane species. I don't think many people gave this film a chance based on the bad press Salva received. It's certainly one of the best films i've seen in recent years.

A story that encapsulates where we as a race are heading for a very bad outcome indeed. As clearly stated in the film by Jeff Goldblum's character, " when technology surpasses humanity". We as a species are in severe danger and crisis over how we perceive what our lives are truly about. We are losing our humanity by advancements in our technology that serve only to relieve us of harnessing our one true purpose that makes us unique within our humanity........Choice. The film also shows that a pure and unique individual is not accepted within those who are already lost of their own humanity. I find myself relating to 'powder' in many ways, albeit minus his physical and other obvious electrical abilities. But I do understand his humanity and choice to make humane decisions that do affect all of us. And his feeling of isolation and not 'fitting in' to his fellow kind. Hopefully one day we can be at a point where our humanity will rise above our technological demands, otherwise we are on a roller-coaster ride to self destruction. Good film,good message.

Many positive superlatives could not express the brilliance of this film. It astounds me that given the rather un-original state Hollywood has been in since 1980 (and continues to be in with the blatant and dull John Travolta rip-off of Phenomenon in 1996) that such a wonderful film was given the green light. It is always a rarity to see this type of masterpiece hit the screen... and a pleasure too. There was much controversy surrounding this film upon its initial release... mostly of the kind that had nothing to do with the actual movie. To that I can only say one thing... it takes more then one person to make a movie! Get over it. Besides the clever, thought provoking, tender, respectful and intelligent script penned by Victor Salva, he also does a top-notch job in the direction. I loved this movie, I own this movie and I whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone.

Sean Patrick Flannery is an incredibly under rated actor after this remarkable performance he gave in "Powder", while the story is very dark and just not pleasant, he really gave it his all into this film and you can see how emotionally connected he is in it. We also have Mary Steinberg and Jeff Goldblum who give their all into their characters, I just think they were not that well developed enough. They could have had a little more.

The movie starts off with a mother and father rushing into labor, only on the way, unfortunately is struck by listening in a massive thunderstorm. She does not survive, but the baby does and the father is not only devastated but rejects his son. Sean plays Jeremy or as most people call him, "Powder" due to him being an albino. He is hidden in his grandparent's basement and has never been out of the house. When his grandmother passes, Jessica Caldwill, played by Mary Steinberg, convinces Jeremy that he must leave and they'll give him and home and school to attend. He does leave and slowly progresses towards what he thinks may be a better life.

When Donald Ripley, a school teacher, has the I.Q. results for Jeremy for his school, he is amazed. There is no score high enough for Jeremy, he's smarter than Albert Einstein. He can memorize book pages word for word, he knows agonizing math problems, and knows the pain of the world. He also has a mysterious power where he if he is exposed to electricity, he gets electrocuted. He also has the power to make people feel the same pain as they inflicted unto another, he also can read minds. Unfortunately, this isn't making him very popular with the jocks of the school who brutally torment him not just mentally but physically. There is only really Donald, Jessica, and another girl Lidnsey who want to be his friends. Only he's just not willing to except this world of pain when so many people doubt and torture him like Doug Barnum who is the town's sheriff and just thinks Jeremy is a freak. His wife is unfortunately dying and comes to Jeremy to ask for a favor and to help him find out what his wife wants. This scene is so extremely touching and tearful. The scene that got to most to me is when the boys go on a hunting trip and the coach shoots a deer for sport and are just laughing at this poor deer dying. Jeremy then takes his hand on the deer and his other hand on the coach and the coach starts to have somewhat of a seizure, and he made the coach feel the same pain he put on the deer. Poetic justice and well deserved I thought.

"Powder", despite being depressing, is a pretty decent picture worth viewing if you are in the mood for a sappy flick. But trust me, it is worth the it, you get a great performance that deserved more praise by Sean, also the same with Mary and Jeff. The acting just takes this movie to where it should be.

7/10

There are very few films that take a simple storyline & deliver better than good performances but "Powder" breaks the rules. Sean Patrick Flannery gives a wonderful performance worthy of honorable mention. With an excellent ensemble cast consisting of Mary Steenburgen, Lance Henricksen, & Jeff Goldbloom, "Powder" excels on a grand scale where other lower budget movies have failed. Very few quirks in editing & subtle nuances did not hurt this film enough to let it's message shine.

"Powder" is the poignant story of Jeremy "Powder" Reed, an young introverted recluse who is stumbled upon when his grandparents pass away leaving him alone on their farm. Jeremy was born to a mother who was struck by lightning thus transforming the tiny newborn to the horror of his birth father, John Box. Jeremy is a special human being because of his albino skin & hairless body, telekinetic powers, & superior intellect. Jeremy has read voraciously, has never watched television, & has never been off his grandparent's farm. Jeremy has lived in the cellar his whole life, never to have experienced the outside world.

Found by a local sheriff Doug Barnum(Henricksen) & boys state school director Jessica Caldwell(Steenburgen), Jeremy is taken from the farm & placed in the state boys home to live. While at the state boys home, Jeremy is studied by staff, ridiculed & ostracized by fellow boys, & seen more as an "object" rather than a person. State Boy's Home teacher Donald Ripley(Goldbloom) takes to Jeremy & understands more than anyone who & what Jeremy really is; a genius who is closer to being the only perfect human ever on Earth. Sheriff Barnum, dealing with his spouse dying of cancer & a strained relationship with his only son, has a lot on his plate besides Jeremy. After several run-ins at the boys home, Jeremy strikes out on his own back to his grandparent's farm. Jeremy gets a ride home from Jessica who only wants whats right for him.

Sensing the sadness in Sheriff Doug Barnum's heart, Jeremy visits his home & uses his incredible gift to give him his dying wife's last thoughts. Barnum's wife's last thoughts were of him finally letting go of her & repairing his relationship with his son. Jeremy ultimately ends up at the farm with Jessica Caldwell & is confronted by the Sheriff Barnum & State Trooper Deputy Harley Duncan. Sensing the coming storm, Jeremy runs out to the field only to reach his most yearned for place, that being the freedom of pure energy. Jeremy is happy for the first time since his grandparent's death, & now he can join them in heaven.

"Powder" will warm your heart & produce a few tears for those who love a different kind of "feel-good" film. Flannery's performance is unforgettable & vaults him above his peers as an actor. Grab your snack, drink, & box of Kleenex for this one. Enjoy!!!!