Doing for orphaned children what Ghost did for grieving lovers, Bogus is a sweet-natured fantasy that's sure to have some viewers reaching for a Kleenex. With The Sixth Sense still three years in his future, Haley Joel Osment plays 7-year-old Albert, whose happy life is disrupted when his mother (Nancy Travis) is killed in a traffic accident. Her will stipulates that Albert be placed in the custody of his mom's little-known half-sister, Harriet (Whoopi Goldberg), a New Jersey restaurant-supply owner who's anything but motherly. That's when Albert invents Bogus (Gerard Depardieu), an imaginary friend who springs to life from a coloring book drawing--clearly the product of Albert's need for love and companionship. It's easy to see why director Norman Jewison was drawn to the challenge of this delicate, charmingly cast fantasy/drama whimsically written by Alvin Sargent (Oscar®-winner for Ordinary People), and there are some lovely moments that capture a fleeting sense of wonder. But like the similar fantasy Three Wishes, the magic is lightweight and it doesn't always work. Your best bet is to just surrender to the sentiment, and don't be surprised if you shed a tear or two. --Jeff Shannon
2.
After the death of his mother, 7-year-old Albert is sent to live with his godmother Harriet. The overworked Harriet is VERY reluctant to take the boy in, and has trouble bonding with him. However, Albert does relate to his large, French imaginary friend named Bogus, who helps Albert cope with the traumas in his young life. But can Bogus bridge the gap between Harriet and Albert?
3.
A young boy's bigger-than-life imaginary friend ends up being as much help to the boy's disbelieving godmother. Whoopi Goldberg and Gerard Depardieu in a spirited all-family charmer directed by Norman Jewison.
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