Mr. Rice's Secret

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Mr. Rice's Secret

PG

2000

1h 53m

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

50%

Tomatometer

6 Reviews

53%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Owen Walters (Bill Switzer) is a terminally ill preteen who must also cope with all the other rigors of early adolescence. But, after the death of his whimsical next-door neighbor, Mr. Rice (David Bowie), Owen discovers something extraordinary: a complex treasure hunt, devised by Mr. Rice, that may lead the young boy to unearth some fantastic secrets. As Owen struggles with nightmares about death, he inches closer to the treasure, which may offer him some measure of salvation.

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Oct 1, 2005

2/5

Judith Egerton

Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY)

Jul 1, 2004

2/4

The characters are stereotypes. Owen's world includes a loving mother, a stern but well-meaning father, a fat bully and a skinny weakling.

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Robert Roten

Laramie Movie Scope

Apr 16, 2002

3/4

This is a well-constructed film with real substance.

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Maria Garcia

Film Journal International

Mar 30, 2001

The filmmakers have created a movie which is didactic, yet not condescending, and inspirational without being corny.

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James Kendrick

Q Network Film Desk

Mar 30, 2001

2.5/4

The film benefits from several strong performances, especially by the young, largely unknown, cast.

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Robert P

@Superbad Oct 31, 2026

Mr. Rice's Secret is a 2.5 star Movie!!!

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Jun 10, 2018

Ok fantasy/drama. It wants to be more profound than it really is. And there isn't nearly enough Bowie in it.

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Mar 9, 2013

Loved this movie! Great watch, David Bowie did a marvelous job!

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May 31, 2012

Loved this movie and the incredible story it told. The acting was very solid. One of the best family movies I've seen in quite a while.

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May 13, 2012

Sweet well meaning film with a good moral. It's a family oriented film, and one that older kids and adults would like.

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Mar 28, 2012

it is a good film with a great message live your life and don't regret anything

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Nicholas Kendall

Director

David Bowie

Mr. Rice

Bill Switzer

Owen Walters

Garwin Sanford

Stan Walters

Teryl Rothery

Marylyn Walters

Zach Lipovsky

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Synopsis

Owen Walters (Bill Switzer) is a terminally ill preteen who must also cope with all the other rigors of early adolescence. But, after the death of his whimsical next-door neighbor, Mr. Rice (David Bowie), Owen discovers something extraordinary: a complex treasure hunt, devised by Mr. Rice, that may lead the young boy to unearth some fantastic secrets. As Owen struggles with nightmares about death, he inches closer to the treasure, which may offer him some measure of salvation.

Director: Nicholas Kendall
Producer: Colleen Nystedt
Screenwriter: J.H. Wyman
Distributor: Panorama Entertainment [us], MTI Home Video [us]
Production Co: New City Productions, Panorama Entertainment
Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 26, 2000, Original
Release Date (DVD): Sep 25, 2001
Runtime: 1h 53m
Sound Mix: Dolby

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