Cider House Rules, The

This is a film adaptation of John Irving’s excellent novel (with a screenplay from Irving himself) about an orphanage that illegally performs abortions and takes custody of unwanted children. This movie showcases great performances from Tobey Maguire as the talented orphan, Homer, and Charlize Theron as his love interest. The film suffers from a strange performance by Michael Caine who struggles with a New England accent as an ether-addicted doctor. Still, it’s a respectable version of a complex novel that benefits from Irving’s involvement.