(January 23, 2001) — Though “Finding Forrester,” directed by Gus Van Sant, features veteran actors Sean Connery and F. Murray Abraham and introduces promising newcomer Robert Brown, the film does not quite rise to the level of an Oscar contender. The movie starts off well enough with a fresh hip-hop flow about the hardships of inner city life and goes on to display the disadvantages of intelligent student Jamal Wallace (Brown) living in the Bronx. Jamal’s life turns around when he receives a scholarship to the prestigious Mailor-Callow Prep School, where he has a chance to be more than just a basketball player by becoming a talented writer. Meanwhile, on a dare, Jamal intrudes in the neighborhood recluse’s apartment. It turns out that this loner is actually Pulitzer Prize winning author William Forrester (Connery). Slowly, the two develop a friendship when Forrester helps the youth with his writing. Making use of the all-too-familiar story line of mentor and student, Van Sant employs his realistic techniques with a touch of humor on the side. He tries to recreate the same magic from “Good Will Hunting” without much success. The film’s straight-to-the-point dialogue at times loses the meaning of conversation. Likewise, the twist and turns the characters encounter jump from one scene to the next, making it hard for the audience to truly comprehend what exactly is taking place. The script also fails to reveal explanation for the characters’ nature and problems. A silver lining, however, is Connery’s brilliant performance. The audience loves this bitter recluse who just happens to have a soft spot for the neighborhood’s most intelligent kid. Brown is another shining star, captivating the audience with his exceptional acting skills. He perfectly blends boyish courage and cleverness to his character, but puts on a tough front when he’s part of the gang. Connery and Brown make the perfect odd couple. Overall, it is a film that adults will enjoy and students will most definitely be able to relate to Jamal Wallace’s encounter with an uncompromising and unsympathetic teacher. And without Brown and Connery’s performances, this movie would be lost. “Finding Forrester” is playing at theaters everywhere. Rated PG-13 for language and some sexual references.