Jodie Foster made an impressive directorial debut with this touching drama about a young mother (played by Foster) who is determined to get the best for her exceptionally gifted six-year-old son (an enjoyable performance from Adam Hann-Byrd). It has its clichéd moments, but you do get a feeling that Foster knows her subject matter - a child growing up too fast, and living in an adult world too soon - which, of course, she does, having worked as an actress since she was three. Moving without being cloying, the film also features some accomplished supporting performances, notably from Dianne Wiest, as a child psychologist, and from musician/actor Harry Connick Jr.

Dede is a sole parent trying to bring up her son Fred. When it is discovered that Fred is a genius, she is determined to ensure that Fred has all the opportunities that he needs, and that he is not taken advantage of by people who forget that his extremely powerful intellect is harboured in the body and emotions of a child.