(Originally posted in February 2009)
Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) has just moved to an older suburban neighborhood in Southern California seeking solitude. Upon moving in, he gives his realtor the message that he actually won't be staying very long. Within a few days of his arrival, he meets a very inquisitive Latino neighbor named Esperanza who seems all too happy and cheerful amidst Henry's dour demeanor. One morning, he goes outside to find Esperanza in elated affect while observing his backyard wall. She claims that it is an image of Jesus Christ. Suddenly things start happening in Henry's life as a result.
Several things make "Henry Poole is Here" a really great movie. The characters are drawn pretty realistically. I was convinced of each characters emotional struggles, and found that when specific things happened in their life, it was not a stretch to believe it (save for one subplot which felt unnecessary). Second, the cinematography was beautiful. The movie was shot in La Mirada, but more beautifully than a film of this type deserves. Great point of view shots, some great tracking shots, effective use of slow motion, and even beautifully contrasting colors. Particularly, the inner house's blue painted walls with the aging brown ceiling looked wonderful (I watched the film on blu ray, and I can confidently say that this is one of the best looking blu ray discs I have ever seen).
However, what makes the film work is that it approaches faith in Christ and miracles very openly. It nicely balances Henry's skepticism with Esperanza's faith. It would be unfair to make the film an atheists vs. believer’s conflict. It really seems to hit on the skeptic that resides in all of us. How many of us have read Christ's miracles to bring sight to the blind or walking to the lame? Could it still happen today? I can think of many charismatic denominations that have been vehemently opposed - even denounced - by non-charismatic denominations because they believe that the miracles in the Bible continue regularly today. Some conservative churches seem to have a real lack of faith in the literal power of Christ so frequently written about in the Bible.
Still, the film manages to ask these questions while not preaching to the viewer. The discussions I anticipate that could be had afterwards are many. I know I have heard the reports of the image of Christ burned into some food product and attracting many of the faithful. Internally, I feel bewildered that people would be so drawn to something that seems so silly.
But what if?
Doesn't God use the foolish things to shame the wise? I had to think of my own experience of miracles in front of my own eyes, and conversely disappointments when prayers went unanswered. We are all skeptical of things for a reason. Why? What would it take to move our hearts from skepticism to openness?
What helped drive these messages home was the effectiveness of the actors. Luke Wilson's hangdog face and hopeless eyes were directed in such a way as to give the man dimension. This is the best I have seen Luke Wilson act - and yes, I have seen "The Royal Tenenbaums." I doubt he will ever be any better, and that is a huge compliment. Additionally, Esperanza is portrayed and acted as annoying, but also loving. She is not the movie world's religious fanatic we have come to know and seen poorly portrayed in movies past who is portrayed as a one note moron. The film esteems her because we see that she cares about her downbeat neighbor, which is why she bursts into his life in the first place. Much can also be said of the supporting actors, such as George Lopez in a small but genuine role as a priest.
The film gets too heavy towards the end with extended music sequences and overly drawn out emotional climaxes. Most of the music is outstanding - particulraly the score - but there are a few duds in the bunch. It reminded a little of the ethereal "Crash" soundtrack.
Apparently Henry Poole has quite the back-story, but much of it was edited out which I think helps the film more than hurts it. As the movie progresses, we learn more and more about who Henry Poole is and how he came to be. It is effective and it works. Though the characters all seem to have a story, the movie nicely keeps it focused on Henry's without sidetracking too much and losing its focus.
In a world where it is easy to shut off and let our own cynicism and skepticism forcefully override possibilities, "Henry Poole is Here" is an uplifting, even hopeful experience. One of the things I criticized "Fireproof" for was its lack of subtlety (which admittedly was not its purpose) and its lack of an artful soul. "Henry Poole is Here" was more of an effective film for me in the realm of faith as an emotional, thought provoking, and even entertaining experience. Don't miss out on this little gem of a movie, and don't forget to ask yourself: what if?
What helped drive these messages home was the effectiveness of the actors. Luke Wilson's hangdog face and hopeless eyes were directed in such a way as to give the man dimension. This is the best I have seen Luke Wilson act - and yes, I have seen "The Royal Tenenbaums." I doubt he will ever be any better, and that is a huge compliment. Additionally, Esperanza is portrayed and acted as annoying, but also loving. She is not the movie world's religious fanatic we have come to know and seen poorly portrayed in movies past who is portrayed as a one note moron. The film esteems her because we see that she cares about her downbeat neighbor, which is why she bursts into his life in the first place. Much can also be said of the supporting actors, such as George Lopez in a small but genuine role as a priest.
The film gets too heavy towards the end with extended music sequences and overly drawn out emotional climaxes. Most of the music is outstanding - particulraly the score - but there are a few duds in the bunch. It reminded a little of the ethereal "Crash" soundtrack.
Apparently Henry Poole has quite the back-story, but much of it was edited out which I think helps the film more than hurts it. As the movie progresses, we learn more and more about who Henry Poole is and how he came to be. It is effective and it works. Though the characters all seem to have a story, the movie nicely keeps it focused on Henry's without sidetracking too much and losing its focus.
In a world where it is easy to shut off and let our own cynicism and skepticism forcefully override possibilities, "Henry Poole is Here" is an uplifting, even hopeful experience. One of the things I criticized "Fireproof" for was its lack of subtlety (which admittedly was not its purpose) and its lack of an artful soul. "Henry Poole is Here" was more of an effective film for me in the realm of faith as an emotional, thought provoking, and even entertaining experience. Don't miss out on this little gem of a movie, and don't forget to ask yourself: what if?
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