Rain Man: Okay, Dustin Hoffman KILLED It (but I have some THOUGHTS)

Okay, so I finally got around to watching Rain Man. I know, I'm late to the party, right? But seriously, Dustin Hoffman as Raymond? Dude, that was a next-level performance. The whole thing with the numbers and counting toothpicks? So believable! And Tom Cruise, young and kinda a jerk, but still compelling. It's a classic road trip movie, with the added layer of like, family drama and self-discovery. I def teared up a little when Charlie finally started to get Raymond, you know? But here's the thing that kinda bugged me – I'm not sure how well it holds up in terms of representation. Like, Raymond is portrayed as this almost childlike figure, and I'm wondering if that's a fair or accurate depiction of autism. I'm no expert, obviously, but it did make me pause. It's a product of its time, I guess, and I wonder how a movie like that would be made today. I mean this was the EIGHTIES, y'all. Still, it's a pretty powerful story about brotherhood and learning to connect with someone who's different. I especially liked the scene where Raymond is in the hotel room and he gets upset because everything isn't going to plan. His need for routine was very prevalent throughout the film and that specific scene really stood out to me. And the ending? Kind of bittersweet, right? Like, Charlie changes, but they both change each other in their own way. I'm giving it like, a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely worth checking out, even if it sparks a few questions.