Finding Forrester can be summarized into three simple words: “powerful, real, and emotional”. This drama covering the life of a struggling writer in the Bronx is one of Sean Connery’s best performances (his part as a disgruntled, old man that spends most of his old age looking out the window can be hilarious at times).
The movie introduces us to Jamal Anderson (played by Rob Brown), a sixteen year-old student living in the Bronx. He hides his unique writing ability from his friends to avoid persecution, and does not apply himself in class. While enjoying a game of basketball with his friends, Jamal and his companions spot a strange man glancing out the window at them.
This becomes the subject of their conversation the next day at school during their lunch hour, spinning wild tales about he is a possible murderer and stalker. As a dare, Jamal enters the house that night with the goal of bringing something back as proof of his triumph. He enters the apartment of the stranger, and while trying to retrieve a knife to show his victory, he is scared off the by the mysterious tenant.
Jamal returns the next day to recover his bag that he left in the apartment. The mysterious tenant (played by Mr. Connery) returns his bag and requests the young Jamal to write a 5,000 word paper on why he should stay out of his home. The aspiring writer finishes this and returns it to the reclusive old man, thus beginning an apprenticeship in the world of writing.
The performances by the young Brown and Connery show great chemistry, and are really a perfect match for the big (and small) screen. Even Busta Rhymes, who plays Jamal’s older brother, shows some talent in some brief scenes. Parts of the movie tend to drag on and not accomplish too much, but the characters show depth and complexity. Finding Forrester would definitely be worth seeing, but not something that is for a testosterone-driven action junkie.