Solemplex To me, this movie is perfection.

SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Frances Chung Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Ella-May O'Brien Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

MrAlanChristoph Such a heartwarming story about friendship and life's true values. What an amazing film! This is definitely a "do not miss".

Amy Adler Poor Albert (Haley Joel Osment, before Sixth Sense!). He's just lost his mother (Nancy Travis) in a car accident. The two lived in Las Vegas, where Mom was an assistant to a great magician, and its the only life Albert has ever known. Alas, there is no father in the picture. When the will is read, everyone is astonished to learn that Albert's new guardian is New Jersey small businesswoman, Harriet (Whoopi Goldberg). It seems both Al's mother and Harriet were foster children together and formed a strong bond. On the other coast, Harriet is also quite shook up; this was far from what she was expecting. Her restaurant supply business takes up a great deal of her time and her small apartment in NewarK is not exactly kid friendly. Yet, to honor a friend, Harriet agrees to look after Albert. Very scared as he journeys by plane, Albert is suddenly comforted by an imaginary friend, Bogus (Gerard Depardieu). Like true BFFs, Bogus doesn't leave Albert's side as he adjusts to a new school, a new home, and a new life. But, oh, Albert is extremely smart and Harriet is going to have to keep close watch on him! Could Albert, being sad at his changes, suddenly take off with Bogus? This charming family film has a great cast, of course. What an unlikely treat it is to have Goldberg and Depardieu as the leads, its a strange but dynamite coupling. Osment, too, in one of his first big roles is very touching and clever. Naturally, the desert scenery of Nevada and the urban Jersey is a big contrast. Viewers will like the costumes, polished script and sure direction. All in all, this is not a "bogus" view in the least. Kids and families will adore Bogus!

Python Hyena Bogus (1996): Dir: Norman Jewison / Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Gerard Depardieu, Haley Joel Osment, Nancy Travis, Andrea Martin: Imaginary friends are common at a young age but the title of this film doesn't do it justice. Albert lost his mother in an accident and is left in the care of Whoopi Goldberg who claims to have no time for children. Soon Gerard Depardieu appears in the form of Bogus. He is fun and listens to him. This bewilders Goldberg who questions the boy's behavior after strange occurrences. Bogus is obviously there to unite the two. Not so much about imaginary friends as it is about recovering from loss but for something advertised as a comedy it plainly isn't very funny. Director Norman Jewison used these elements before in Moonstruck and Only You with fine visual elements. Goldberg holds her own in the role of caregiver unable or unwilling to participate but as formulas go she will let down her guard. As Bogus Depardieu proves to have great comic energy despite a role unworthy of his talent. Haley Joel Osment as Albert is the best casting, coping with loss using imagination and adapting to Goldberg. Nancy Travis plays his mother with an interesting back story but untimely death. While the visual elements are okay, perhaps parents should view it before making it a family night deal. Strong theme of childhood healing within a totally bogus screenplay. Score: 5 ½ / 10

SILENCEikillyou I must confess I only watched this movie because I found out it starred a younger still talented Haley Joel Osment. 'Prodigy' is the word that comes to mind. His few less years doesn't seem to take any of the talent from his performances.And he's a magician to boot. I dabble in magic and was able to realize that none of the tricks he performed were trick photography or any other aid assisted. Each one is deftly presented by Osment's own little hands.I, on the other hand, didn't watch this movies for Goldberg or Depardieu. I've never really like their movies with the exception: The Man in the Iron Mask (for Depardieu) and Ghost (for Whoopi). Ironically, BOTH are very great movies. That said, these two actually did have great roles, performances, direction for this movie. I found myself enjoying each of their performances. Neither one took themselves too seriously and that was the magic.Overall a cute, enjoyable, and fun movie. Especially for H.J. Osment fans. Cute kid. 8/10 pts. 2 taken for some difussion of the focus of the plot.P.S. I just remembered I also like kind of 'Sister Act' and Whoopi's role on 'Star Trek: TNG'. I guess she's pretty good. thank you.