Eric Stoltz does well in this role as Rocky Dennis, a high school boy with incurable neuro-fibromatosis.
Cher as his mother, and Estelle Getty and Richard Dysart as her long-suffering parents; she is a rebel/Hell's Angel (apparently this was also true) and fights an uphill battle to give Rocky some kind of life while he still has the chance.
While it requires some suspension of disbelief, I think people may not have liked this movie because it makes them uncomfortable. It was difficult to watch when it first came out. Laura Dern also has a good role as Rocky's friend. There are some good scenes between her and Stoltz. Also some scenes where he is with his dog (I admit I am partial to animals!).
This is a good story because it is based on truth, and Stoltz does a good job of creating a sympathetic, moving character. 8/10.