Max (Elden Henson), the narrator of this heart-affecting and poignant drama, is a 13-year-old giant with size 14 shoes. He lives with his grandparents (Harry Dean Stanton and Gena Rowlands) since his violent father (James Gandolfini) is in prison. At school, he is harassed by Blade (Joe Perrino), the nasty leader of a gang of troublemakers.

Max's prospects change, however, when Kevin (Kieran Culkin), a physically deformed youth, moves in next door with his mother (Sharon Stone). He becomes Max's reading tutor and soon they are bonded in their yearning to be modern Knights of the Roundtable. Kevin's dreams of adventure spring to life when he climbs aboard Max's shoulders and the two become one. They rescue a damsel in distress, battle with Blade and his buddies, and even put an end to Max's father attempt to kidnap him.

Charles Leavitt's inventive screenplay is based on Rodman Philbrick's popular 1993 adult novel Freak the Mighty. This inspiring film, directed by Peter Chelsom, celebrates imagination as the firepower that enables these two outsiders to transcend their disabilities, loneliness, and familial problems. The myth of the Knights of the Roundtable inspires them to become all they are meant to be. With its fresh and fine depiction of friendship, The Mighty is one of the best films of the year.