Finding Forrester review

Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

After his interesting if misguided sojourn into Psycho-remake land, director Gus Van Sant returns to the feelgood factory that made Good Will Hunting such an Oscar-friendly hit with this heart-string-twanging tale of race, friendship, creative endeavour and personal expression. And while Sean Connery may well be the producer and the ostensible star, newcomer Rob Brown is the revelation.

As the quietly confident 16-year-old Jamal, Brown is so impressively naturalistic he shows up the former 007, his open face and soulful manner illuminating his character's inner conflict. A total novice, Brown's star-making turn is the film's heart and soul.

While it's anchored by an excellent debut turn from Brown (who easily blows Connery off the screen), this is perhaps too sentimental for its own good. That said, it never fails to engage and there's a surprise cameo to.

The Total Film team are made up of the finest minds in all of film journalism. They are: Editor Jane Crowther, Deputy Editor Matt Maytum, Reviews Ed Matthew Leyland, News Editor Jordan Farley, and Online Editor Emily Murray. Expect exclusive news, reviews, features, and more from the team behind the smarter movie magazine.