The Cure | 
| Director: Peter Horton
Actors: Joseph Mazzello, Brad Renfro, Aeryk Egan, Delphine French, Mona Powell
Studio: Universal Studios
Category: DVD
List Price: $9.99
Buy New: $3.27
You Save: $6.72 (67%)
New (36) Used (10) from $3.24
Rating:  97 reviews
Sales Rank: 12367
Format: Color, Dolby, Dvd, Full Screen, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Region: 1
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 97 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: MCAD26200D
ISBN: 1417026839
UPC: 025192620027
EAN: 9781417026838
ASIN: B0003JAOPE
Theatrical Release Date: April 21, 1995
Release Date: November 23, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Product Description
Parental opposition cannot stop the friendship of two rural minnesota teens one hiv-positive. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 11/23/2004 Starring: Joseph Mazzello Bruce Davison Run time: 97 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Peter Horton
Amazon.com
This heartfelt drama tells us it's an AIDS movie that's not about AIDS. When this film keeps its promise (roughly the first three-quarters), it's a winner, a film about a truly notable friendship between two 11-year-old boys. Diagnosed with AIDS from a blood transfusion, Dexter (Joseph Mazzello) has gratefully bypassed most of Kuebler-Ross's stages of death. He is, however, an outcast among his peers until Erik (Brad Renfro) comes along and finds him quite normal. Their bond deepens as they look for a cure for the disease using odd forms of scientific theory. Part educational text, part Mark Twain adventure, part tearjerker, the movie relies on something not found in movies these days: a love affair of male friendship. At its center are two of the best pre-actors around. Mazzello (Jurassic Park) has a professional presence on screen. The wild card is Renfro in only his second role (the other was The Client). As the outgoing, Huck Finn-ish boy, he has impressive physical abilities that communicate a naturalness on screen. The film's sappy hospital scenes bog down the picture tremendously, but they do lead to two special scenes that end the movie. The Cure is an assured directorial debut by TV actor Peter Horton (thirtysomething). An interesting note: single mothers raise both kids, a fact never lingered on--refreshingly so--in the script written by Robert Kuhn. --Doug Thomas
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| Customer Reviews: Read 92 more reviews...
 Excellent film; Exceptionally poor DVD transfer April 8, 2009
Brach Jennings (Fulton/Peoria, IL USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
"The Cure" is one of the most moving films I have seen in several years. Joseph Mazzello and the late Brad Renfro deliver excellent performances as their respective characters Dexter (Mazzello) and Erik (Renfro). Also worthwhile is Annabella Sciorra's performance as Linda (Dexter's mom). I found the movie online by accident, and was instantly taken with the story.
A movie like this one could not be made today because of the technological advances society has undergone since 1995. It would be nearly impossible for two teenagers to run away from home and sail down the Mississippi without being found via GPS, cell phone, or similar divices. However, when the movie is viewed from a mid-1990s perspective, those issues are not bothersome. Mazzello's heartwarming scene about the questions of life and death as well as the sadness Renfro portrays after Dexter's death are worth the price of the film.
I am thoroughly convinced after watching this film that Joe Mazzello and Brad Renfro are two of the most accomplished actors of the 1990s. They bring the story to life, causing the viewer to believe in Erik and Dexter's quest to find the cure for AIDS and save the latter's life.
Unfortunately, the DVD does not live up to the exceptional acting. As other reviewers have noted, the transfer is FULL SCREEN (1:33:1) and in MONO. I urge the reader to seek out the LaserDisc version, which was released in WIDESCREEN and has DIGITAL STEREO sound. This film is far more enjoyable in widescreen, as the 1:85:1 aspect ratio allows the characters breathing room. The digital stereo sound naturally brings out elements of dialogue and music that are missed in mono.
Even with the poor DVD transfer, I highly recommended "The Cure" for anyone who believes in the power of friendship and hope.
RATING
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Film: 4/5
DVD: 2/5
LD (LaserDisc): 4/5
FINAL: 4/5
 Great Film of Friendship March 19, 2009
Andrew Raker (PA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I really enjoyed watching this film, "The Cure." The acting was very good, especially Brad Renfro ("The Client" "Tom and Huck") as Erik and Joseph Mazzello ("Jurassic Park" "Simon Birch") as Dexter. However, all the major actors and actresses played their parts well.
The film was not cheezy. There were a few scenes I think were overdone, (ex: riding a shopping card down a very steep hill) and one or two that were non sequitur, but I won't complain too much. Compared with many U.S. films created since 1990, this film actually makes some sense.
The theme of the film was remarkably well-conveyed, the friendship developed between Dexter and Erik heartwarminging, and use of symbols (esp. Erik's shoe) fairly creative.
I don't want to give away any scenes in the major plot. However, I think this film is certainly one that children and adults alike can both enjoy (although the language of a few scenes might worry some conservative parents).
More importantly, the film does not preach yet conveys a few major ideas that some people (especially teenagers) back in 1995 might not have been certain about.
1. AIDS is not transferable through the air (i.e. it is not like smallpox or even the common cold but rather much more like tetnus - except with no cure or preventative shot).
2. Anyone can contract AIDS, including children through blood transfusions with contaminated blood.
3. People with AIDS, like anyone else, still are people and still have feelings, including the desire to have friends.
Amazing film on every level February 15, 2009
J. Balsness
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I cannot say enough positive things about this movie it is one of my all time favorites. It has everything going for it. It has everything we as men have endured in our lives...causing mischief, wilderness adventures, friendships, and tragedy. Any man or boy will surely relate to this movie in one way or another and that's exactly how it succeeds so brilliantly. The late Brad Renfro does a terrific performance as does Mazzello. Also featuring an outstanding performance by Annabella Sciorra. One of the rare films that can still bring a tear to my eye no matter how many times I see it. A must see for all.
The Cure movie February 9, 2009
S. Astier (CA)
Wonderful movie about people and their ignorances of other peoples situations. This is a great example to teach kids about the very real prossability of meeting different people-with different illnesses, or disabilities....and teaches about how precious everybody in your life is. I'd also recomend the movie "Simon Birch", which also teaches about different chalenges people have to live with. It teaches about tolerance and how everybody is the same-although different at the same time.
 Incurable film. December 1, 2008
ADRIENNE MILLER (TENNESSEE)
0 out of 6 found this review helpful
The Cure starring Joseph Mazzello and the late Brad Renfro left me disappointed and uninspired. The friendship between the two boys is awkward, I couldn't get into this film, the story is pretty pointless and somewhat offensive. I was hoping for a deep buddy/buddy film and I got the opposite.
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