Stylish but barely mediocre overall

A Disappointing Continuation

Go in cold, and you're likely to emerge with your blood boiling. This has to be seen to be believed.

Blistering performances.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a very odd film. And while everyone in the cast does a good job, Leonardo DiCaprio stands out with one of the most convincing performances I've seen in a long time. At times, I forgot Arnie was the same guy from Inception. I probably won't make a habit of watching this movie, but I'm glad I finally saw it.

I fully admit that I appreciate slower films more than most and that this definitely qualifies as a s-l-o-w film. That said, I'm still surprised at some of the excessively, over-the-top negative reviews here.It's already been pointed out, by many, that -- for the performance of Leonardo DiCaprio alone -- this film is worth checking out. And that's true. Like others, this was the first time I had ever seen him in anything and I remember thinking how amazing it was that they had cast a mentally challenged person in the film. He was/is that good in this.But, beyond that, I found the film uniquely touching in its portrayal of family and the limits that a community can sometimes put on those who are struggling to improve their lot in life and overcome those things that would bring us down. Inspiring.

Sometimes the best performance come in a film that just doesn't deserve them. Everyone knows of Gilbert Grape, but not because it is a classic film that deserves to stand the test of time, rather it is the film that launched two of the biggest careers in Hollywood. Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) is barely old enough to drink, yet he is the man of the house, forced to raise his brother and sisters, and care for his obese mother. Gilbert lives in the middle of nowhere, works a terrible job, and his future doesn't look so bright, that is until a girl, traveling cross-country with her grandmother, breaks down in his town. A relationship blossoms and Gilbert finally discovers that life has been passing him by. The story here is simple and at many points extremely slow moving. This film was just meant to be a backwards love story, but has become so much more, because of Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. The two young stars gave everything they had and more, with so little to work with, that their performances became absolutely legendary. What's Eating Gilbert Grape is not a good film, but you will be hard pressed to find one performance, must less two as good as the ones in this film. The feeling and emotion that come along with their joys and despair is something you just can't teach, either you have it or you don't. Both these actors will make you feel every emotion of their characters and make you take a look inside yourself in a way that few film will ever do. I hated the story, but I recommend this film for nothing else than it's performances. If every performance were as good as these, there wouldn't be a need to rate and review films.

Yes, I know some of these people will review about the expected occurrences that went on in this film. But, I wonder if momma committed suicide to purposely let her children live their lives without entrapments such as the obligation to help her. Sure, they were generous and humble in their own ways. Which is why I like this film. What's Eating Gilbert Grape is one of a kind. Definitely not something you will experience for every film that is out there.