Thursday, August 14, 2008

'Henry Poole Is Here' Review

Watch the trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/henry-poole-is-here/30120/main

Henry Poole, a dying man, buys a home where he can spend his last days alone. A nosy but well-meaning neighbor sees a spot on his outside that she and others think resembles the face of Christ.  When another neighbor, a child who stopped talking after her parents split up, and a store clerk with poor vision are mysteriously cured after touching the wall, his house soon becomes a shrine with visitors much to Henry's annoyance. Is the red liquid oozing out of the wall holy blood with healing powers? The local priest is cautious in declaring his judgement on the events. Since Henry has a chance of finding love with the child's mother, will his cynicism yield to the spot's supposed powers and cure himself?
    This is a sweet, touching small film about the question of faith. Do miracles happen because we want to believe in them or do things just happen without explanations?  There's no easy answers here and the filmmakers leave it open.  The movie is not overly preachy and slyly creeps up on you. Performances are very good in an understated way. Luke Wilson's sheepdog persona suits him well as he withdraws into his memories of when his life was better. It's his neighbors who slowly bring him out of his funk with their problems and pain.
     Spoiler Alert: My wife says the movie's theme is about, sometimes you need a good hit on the head to see the light but that's getting ahead of the story...   A wonderful film for our times when faith and hope is needed. 

No comments: