Rain Man: Wow, ok Dustin Hoffman...

Okay, so I just FINISHED watching Rain Man. I know, I know, super late to the party, but I somehow managed to never see it until now. Dude, Dustin Hoffman. I mean, I knew he was a great actor, but holy crap. The way he portrayed Raymond, it was just... mesmerizing. I almost felt bad for Charlie (Tom Cruise) in the beginning, being all self-centered and only caring about the money. But then you kinda get it, y'know? His dad screwed him over. Still, Cruise does a good job of showing him slowly changing, becoming more patient. Like, the scene in the doctor's office when Raymond is getting agitated? Charlie actually protecting him? That got me a little. And the numbers stuff? Seriously impressive. I had to rewind when Raymond was counting the spilled toothpicks on the floor. Like, HOW? And the whole thing with the gambling in Vegas? I can see why Charlie did it, even if it felt a little exploitative. I mean, come ON Charlie, read the freakin room. But also, kinda genius. I felt weird watching the whole casino scene. Like it was wrong but right. Oh and that scene in the car where Ray says "definitely an Abbott and Costello man"! Totally LOL! The ending was... weirdly satisfying? Not this big happy ending where everything is magically fixed. But like, a realistic acceptance of the situation. Raymond goes back to Wallbrook, Charlie visits. It's... bittersweet. Not sure if it totally holds up today, some of it might be a bit... uh... dated in how they portray autism. But as just a movie, a story about brothers finding each other (sort of)? Yeah, pretty powerful stuff. Not sure I'd watch it again right away, but def glad I finally saw it. One thing I will say the casino was so smoky! I know it was the 80s but it was hard to watch. I kept thinking I need to go outside for some freesh air. Also, I saw the director was Barry Levinson and now I understand! Diner felt a lot like that one.