Profoundly Normal (2003)

Too much of everything

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I saw the movie and the portrayal of Donna Thornton was spot dead on. I had the pleasure of working with Donna while at Walter Reed and indeed, she's a very wonderful and insightful woman. She's determined and driven even still to this day. I was truly surprised that they made a movie about her. She's so modest about it. It wasn't until I saw the movie and thinking it was a total coincidence that the main character in the movie was about Donna. I worked with her almost 5 years and she's never once mentioned it. We ate at the same lunch tables and talked about various things including work. After watching this movie, I took on a totally different outlook of her and truly am amazed of who she is after all she'd been through. I never detected an inkling of bitterness, distrust, or any of the expected reactions any other person would've had if they've been through the same situations. God Bless Her

I was flipping channels last night, trying to find something to watch, when I came across this movie. I was immediately drawn into the story and thankfully, tuned in close to the beginning. The performances of both Kirstie Alley and Delroy Lindo were outstanding. I worked with developmentally and mentally disadvantaged youths for a few years each summer as a teen and I feel their portrayals were spot on. However, I did not see the Thorntons on "Sixty Minutes." I always knew Kirstie Alley could act, but this was incredible. It was obvious to me that she immersed herself completely in the role. These two people were not just profoundly normal, they had more strength of character and drive than most people I have met in my lifetime. After watching this movie, I feel like I am a better person and I would love to meet them. I can relate to the beating/rape scene because I am a rape survivor. To see that it did not affect her big heart and her love of life is inspiring, to put it lightly. We need more movies like this!

I didn't know what to expect from this film, having no prior knowledge of the Thorntons. But after seeing this movie, I had gained a tremendous amount of respect for the couple and their struggles. They overcame so much to reach their current state of autonomy and proved that those who society believes is not "normal" can actually live profoundly normal lives.The pitch-perfect performances of Kirstie Alley and Delroy Lindo are what really bring this TV Movie to a higher level than your average Movie-of-the-Week. They impressed on so many levels and after seeing the real couple on 60 Minutes I realized that Kirstie Alley successfully captured Donna's spirit so much that I forgot I was even watching Kirstie. An overall great film and kudos to everyone involved.

I watched PROFOUNDLY NORMAL, the made-for-tv-movie on CBS last night, and I really enjoyed it. This remarkable story of two mentally handicapped people was amazing in that it grabs you right where you are and pushes you into a world seen through the eyes of The Thorntons (played truly amazingly by Kirstie Alley and Delroy Lindo.) You really should get around to seeing this movie. I also watched the 60 Minutes special with them, talking about their son and how life has been as a retarded couple who went against all odds, got married, and had a child. Breathtaking.9/10