Definitely #48 on my lsit.. Definitely #48
4/4 stars

"Rain Man" is a magnificent film with absolutely riveting performances from its two stars Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.Hoffman plays Raymond an autistic adult who has been institutionalized since his youth. Cruise plays Charley a small time hustler who upon his father's death, finds out that unknown to him, he has a brother (Hoffman) that he knew nothing about.Hoffman reportedly researched his character by spending time with autistic patients, prior to the filming. The results are amazing. He has all of the mannerisms and habits of an autistic person down pat. You actually believe he is autistic he is so convincing. He richly deserved the Academy Award that he won for his performance.Cruise, because of his pretty boy image, is not given the credit that he is due as an actor. In "Rain Man", his character goes from a self-centered hustler, to one of compassion, love and understanding over the course of the movie. He complements Hoffman's performance perfectly.
There is a touching scene in an elevator between Valerie Galino as Cruise' girlfriend and Hoffman where she gives him a kiss and he responds by saying innocently, that it was sloppy.Watch for Director Barry Levenson as a psychiatrist near the end of the film."Rain Man" deservedly won the 1988 Academy Award for best picture is is a true classic.

Review by mdtinney