Bookmark Us
 
|
Home  The Christian Life Current Release Movie Review: Henry Poole Is Here
|
Movie Review: Henry Poole Is Here |
|
|
|
|
Sunday, 17 August 2008 |
Henry Poole Is Here. Starring Luke Wilson, Adriana Barraza. Overture Films.
Comedy/drama. Written by Albert Torres II. Directed by Mark Pellington. 8/15/08 100 min.
FILM SYNOPSIS: When a man discovers that he has only a short time  to live, he leaves his job, buys a rundown house in the neighborhood he grew up in and plans to spend his remaining days in seclusion. But after the realtor has the back of the home newly stuccoed, his kind, Catholic neighbor immediately sees the face of Jesus on the back wall. To the consternation of the pessimistic Mr. Poole, the religious discovery begins to draw people from all over the town, including the next-door divorcee and her doe-eyed little girl.
Depressed and angry, our central character can’t bring himself to believe in miracles, despite those going on before his eyes. But God is merciful and patient.
REVIEW: Most of the film resonates with the lead's depression. It is a bit too somber. But there is also joy, and when Henry and the other characters discover this jubilation, there are uplifting, inspiring moments that make it worth the wait.
Now, many of us tend to raise an eyebrow whenever we hear of someone discovering the face of our Lord on a wall or the bark of a tree. But the film is about discovering faith, with a subplot concerning the intriguing concept of whether things merely happen by circumstance. Are the details of life governed merely by happenstance, or are they a part of a great plan? Do things happen by chance or do they purposely serve to develop our nature?
These same questions were raised more soundly in M. Night Shayamalan’s dramatic thriller Signs. Despite Henry Poole’s moving performances all around, and the filmmaker’s sincerity, Signs is a more entertaining film. But it is a pleasure to see a movie that avoids explosions and masked superheroes, one that embraces relationships and story. There are a few funny scenes, many moving moments, and a couple of displays of true gleefulness. I haven’t seen many of those lately. And I see a lot of movies.
Please read the content before deciding to support this film. And if you should be interested in the movie Signs, read the entire review before renting it. Go to my site moviereporter.com and find the review in the Past Reviews section.
PG (Henry is bitter and his hostility towards God is heard two or three times as he utters God’s name followed by curse or speaks Jesus’ name in frustration; if I were a filmmaker I would find other expressions, as the profane use of God’s name displays a limited vocabulary – and, oh, yeah, God said not to do it in Exodus 20; to deaden his fear of dying, Henry drowns his feelings in alcohol until he begins to find a reason to enjoy what time he has left). Running Time: 95 min. Intended Audience: Older teens and adults
For other free reviews from Phil Boatwright’s perspective, go to: previewonline.org.
(Disclaimer: These are the views of the author and not necessarily the staff of JesusJournal. Given the synopsis and content, concerned parents and moviegoers can decide if the new releases are suitable for viewing.)
|
|
Words To Live By
"I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid." - The Bible: Isaiah 12:1-2
|
|
|
|
|