Henry Poole Is Here Movie
| Resolution | Size | Download | ||
|
1920x800 | 8139.08 MiB | 1080p | |
|
1280x528 | 4477.59 MiB | 720p | |
|
672x272 | 700.13 MiB | divx | |
|
320x176 | 398.4 MiB | ipod | |
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Henry Poole abandons his fiancée and family business to spend what he believes are his remaining days alone. The discovery of a "miracle" by a nosy neighbor ruptures his solitude and restores his faith in life.
| Luke Wilson | Henry Poole |
| Radha Mitchell | Dawn Stupek |
| Dan Callahan | |
| Earl Carroll | Mr. Lawrence |
| Noah Dahl | Young Henry Poole |
| Marcus Maria Jung | Mortician |
| George Lopez | |
| Rhada Mitchell | |
| Andrew Santino | Orderly |
| Elaine Anne Furst | Supermarket Shopper |
| Adriana Barraza | |
| Gizza Elizondo | Cancer Survivor |
| Gloria Garayua | Female Worshipper |
| Beth Grant | Josie |
| Mark Pellington |
6.20 out of 10 (107 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Just Fabulous
posted on 14 Aug 2009I just read the preview, written by one Canadian person, who discredited the whole movie, by labeling it "pro-religious" act. This forced me to write something about this great motion picture. This is be my first review, so don't be hard on me please :) I'm complete atheist, haven't believed ever in god or anything of that kind. This is usual in this area where I'm from, I know it may sound really weird for many of you. But this movie touched my soul in a way that I even can't describe. I really like sad and depressing movies, but there are only few that really "touch me inside". But still, I didn't start believing of the act of god. I never will, and that makes me more furious, that somebody says that this movie is paid by church. Such ignorance and intolerance and stupidity that it makes me sick! You do not have to be religious to enjoy this movie. At least when you have a soul and compassion running in your blood...In a way for me this movie kind of reminded me one of my favorites Green Mile, that had the same "disturbingly painful" surrounding. At least these two movies made me feel the same - sad, angry to the world and to the people, depressed, yet still... hopeful...This movie just made me feel so sad just from the beginning, though nothing was really wrong at the beginning. Or as it seemed. But as the story continued, the music and the whole surrounding gave some hints, that something was very wrong.Great acting by Luke Wilson and as well the side characters were doing very nice job to give little bit of magic to the audience. Directing was very good and as mentioned before, the music... Just superb choice! Just wanted to cry inside several times as it all seemed so painful. Or at least it felt so painful all together...Recommend it sincerely!
Perverse pop drivel
posted on 25 Jul 2009You've had your spoiler warning, so leave now because I'm going to tell you the whole story in one sentence.This is literally a story about a man who has to have a house fall on him to get a second opinion for a terminal disease diagnosis.Turns out, he was never sick at all! The mysterious disease that at once was killing him and making him better looking throughout the movie turned out to be a complete sham. Much as this movie is a complete sham.The rest of the plot is just junk piled on top of this false premise. Any rational conversation the movie was trying to have with the audience completely collapses when it is revealed that the whole movie is just a con job.The music deserves special mention and scorn. Many of the 'big' emotional moments are simply montage shots with some faux-Celtic female folk singing playing while the main character looks out at a sunset or climbs underneath a bridge to retrieve childhood memories or maybe just stares at some stucco on the side of a house while the audience is left to its own.This movie would have been an embarrassment for Hallmark on the Lifetime channel. I saw it for free on StarZ and want my money back!
Best movie I've seen in many years...
posted on 15 Jul 2009"Henry Poole Is Here" (and the accompanying soundtrack) is absolutely brilliant! The best work Luke Wilson has done thus far in his career. The story itself is beautifully woven throughout with comedy, anger, and pathos, all accentuated with wonderfully chosen music (from indie artists, appropriate since the movie is an indie, itself). While I can't agree with the Catholic-slant of idolic figure worship, being an evangelical Christian, and don't much like the use of the name "Jesus" in the derogatory sense, I can get by those parts since the imagery/usage is rather ironic considering the premise of the story. I don't believe the writer and director truly could, themselves, see the parallels between what they had written/directed since it goes much deeper than just a story of Christ's "picture" on a stucco wall: Henry's (false) belief he is dying equates to "everyman," who is, indeed, dying one way or another everyday, but doesn't realize he is truly alive if he would but see the truth (evidenced by Henry's crying scene when he is trying to see the image the way others do; he just can let himself go and surrender to faith); Millie's lack of speech (due to trauma from a loss) is indicative of ourselves, in many ways, since we, too, can become "speechless" (depression) when confronted with one loss after another, but "regain" that speech (and be filled with joy) after we see the truth and understand it. Those are just two symbolisms I found; more are evident. It's the only movie I've watched several times in many a year and has quickly become a movie from which I can acquire both comedy relief and spiritual enlightenment at the same time. And the music...fantastic.
I loved this movie and I am an atheist
posted on 01 Jul 2009I loved this movie because it was about hope and belief. I didn't see it as an affirmation of God, but more as an affirmation of wanting to believe in something, and speaking as an atheist/agnostic--we all want to believe in something, even if the something is science or existentialism--it doesn't have to be religion. In addition, the plot had other thoughtful themes--such as going backwards in the past to find happiness and finding stability in an unstable world.This movie was old fashioned in many ways--the camera didn't jump around every three seconds. It's not a fast paced plot, it has no special effects, rather it's simply a story of relationships. Even the romance was old fashioned, and none the less sexy for lack of nudity or explicit scenes. Score one for using our imagination! Admittedly a few too many facial closeups--but thoroughly well acted and likable characters. And enough humorous moments too. I think this should be a summer sleeper, but at the NYC theater I saw it during "prime time" it was basically an empty theater. So sorry the general public needs violence, trash talk, special effects or just plain stupidity to be entertained; seems a provocative plot and the subtleties of relationships aren't enough for the movie-going public.
Masterfully Crafted Movie On Every Level
posted on 25 Jun 2009This is simply a masterfully crafted movie on every level featuring remarkable acting, writing and directing. The film delivers true drama and true emotion. Some may label the pace of the film as slow but it's exactly how the story needed to unfold. It's amazing how a plot revolving around this concept can be presented in a way that's not heavy handed or even overly religious. Just like in life itself, the interpretations and ramifications of faith is wonderfully complex. The cynic may see coincidental happenstance but the believer will see so much more. I enjoyed how the events of this movie took on the same tone. What did we see and why? As the old saying goes…"For those who believe no explanation is necessary, for those who do not, none will suffice." SPOILERS...For those who believe, they'll get caught up in this tremendous, well acted story. A story about hope and what role faith and miracles of all degree play in life's journey. (A tip of the cap to the director... the scene where the image is being viewed by many and then is in jeopardy had my audience gasping and cringing just like the onlookers on screen.) For those who do NOT believe, they'll get cheated by their own limitations and see nothing more then a guy that got shortchanged $30,000 for a run-down house. I truly feel sorry for those that fall in to this crowd.
Sun tan does rapidly peel
posted on 21 Jun 2009Reviewing movies usually does not permit me to bluntly address you, my audience. I have tried to recreate my speech in previous reviews I've written. My voice should reveal itself through my writing. Sometimes, please forgive me; I will talk directly to you. When I encounter a film like Henry Poole is Here, I must reveal something personal. I am an atheist, audience this movie most assuredly doesn't expect. This, of course, stains my analysis of it (which is why you should always read three or so reviews of a movie). There are many benefits to belief in a higher power (assuming one's religion has such). The blood of deities flows warmly into all who drink of it. They live with the expectation that something outside of their responsibility will protect them from harm. It doesn't matter if this actually happens, and Henry Poole is Here recognizes that. The film glorifies innocuous belief in some god, whether it is Christian or not. Since I'm not religious, I think I'm able to criticize the movie's failure to represent all aspects of intense belief. I felt it was a naïve movie, but I appreciated the effort to not attack those without faith. A movie like this one is only possible in a society like ours in North America. We've not yet disavowed our cultural dependency on religion like Western Europe has, so we have movies that aren't able to directly say "religion x is great." Many devoted religious people live Western Europe, of course, but religious overtones are not widely present in society. So, our non-specific faith-based films cutely display any religion's general goodness. A film like Henry Poole is Here wouldn't be made across the pond unless it was a completely independent project. Most people would have no need for it Henry Poole moves into a neighborhood and notices a strange water stain on his home. His devout Hispanic neighbor says that it looks like Jesus, which Poole dismisses as lunacy. She convinces many people it is Jesus, so everyone violates property law to check. People consider it a miracle once individuals are healed after touching it. Poole is the most skeptical person ever and refuses to believe its power. He looks like a depressed guy (even more so as he continues to deny the Truth), the kind who you expect to commit suicide any minute. Anything negative about Poole's life would have sufficed (for this plot), as long as it was resolved when touched the stain. He indirectly does, when he succumbs to anger and smashes it. He finally realizes the stain is Jesus, or his silhouette, which collapses any strong support I offer the movie. All his problems vanish instantaneously. The ending struck me as inappropriately abrupt, as well as slightly condescending.It's also extraordinary that Mark Pellington adapted a screenplay from such a trivial event. Everyone chuckles at the casino that bought Virgin Mary grill cheese sandwich. It's an absurd idea to think any stale food item could contain divine presence. Wouldn't a supreme deity chose any other way to manifest itself? Why would it conceal itself so discreetly? Assuming it has stereotypical human qualities, a deity would display itself inconspicuously. People are not so mysterious. Ayn Rand was at least able to acknowledge our selfish pursuit of seemingly everything. Humans, thus, are endowed with a certain inalienable penchant for self-infallibility. We look for evidence that doesn't exist when we interpret new data because we couldn't possibly be incorrect (stop reading for a moment). Henry Poole is Here offers us the chance to visualize this process as if it were realistic. Unlike Lars and the Real Girl, another movie based on popular cultural occurrences, Henry is trapped by its own indulgence in its charming plot. The story meanders too long, including characters, backstory, and entire sequences for no adequately explored reason. Luke Wilson stays sharp, or rather, aloof as he guides Poole to his awakening. His somnolent eyes never permit us to leave his character. It's an eerily commanding performance. Wilson goes beyond requirements for his role, which allows individual intimacy with Henry. Shame the movie asks nothing more of him than getting Poole to believe. 15th of 2009 *** out of ******** out of *****
Comedy-No. Religious propaganda-Yes
posted on 15 Jun 2009Comedy-No. Religious propaganda-Yes. Absolute waste of time. I don't know why it was marked as comedy. There was none of that. Only a lot of justification of religious fanatics seeing JC in burned toasts and other random things. Acting is OK though. Sorry, this one I stole from one of the reviewers, but it says exactly what I felt: "The whole thing descends into nauseating, saccharine, formulaic cinema. Towards the end I was beginning to laugh out loud in the cinema at the predictable happy every after ending, it seemed almost like some kind of spoof or wind up it was so corny". I wish I had reviewed the other peoples comments before I wasted 2 hours of my time.
Perhaps some reviewers are missing the point
posted on 13 Jun 2009Henry Poole Is Here is one of those movies I probably would never had seen if it hadn't been shown on a recent cruise ship vacation. I found after reading some of the reviews that many people were getting hung up on their personal religious or atheist beliefs and perhaps forgetting the experience the movie presents. Although I have not attended church since childhood I have always had a spiritual feeling inside about the beauty of life and our planet. The teachings of Edgar Cayce to me sum up why we are here as citizens of Earth. Henry Poole Is Here grabbed my inner self to show that whatever our beliefs are, we all share this world as one and love, understanding and positive thinking will help us find true happiness.
a well made movie with great acting
posted on 05 Jun 2009It was very refreshing to see a film that actually did not rely on car crashes, murder, and blood to sell. The movie had fantastic acting and great direction. Of course many will take the content and trash the movie because they hate anything having to do with religion. I would hate to think how bad most movies would be without the car crashes and rape and murder etc.Go enjoy some believable actors cause that doesn't happen in Hollywood a lot. The story is fun and hope and dreams are what the movies can be. If you have a heart and want to be touched go see it. If you want to watch some terrible acting but see some great special effects go see dark knight.
Drowning in Treacle
posted on 18 May 2009I'm surprised by the largely positive reviews of this film. Maybe it's a cultural thing, I'm a European living in California. We went to see this movie on the back of some positive press reviews. It starts well, but I was misled by it's start. I thought this was going to be more of a skeptical movie about the way religious people fool themselves into believing what they want to believe (a little like the sentiments behind "Life of Brian"). But no, the start is deceptive, as the film progresses, it actually wants to start to make you believe that a stain on the wall of a (supposedly) terminally ill mans house is the face of god, sheds blood and has magical powers. Sorry, I couldn't suspend my disbelief and the whole film then fell apart for me.The lead character is supposed to be terminally ill, but his disease is unnamed, which I suppose is a good thing as it's difficult to believe what it could be as his only symptoms seem to be stubble and a craving for vodka and pizza. There is of course a beautiful woman who just happens to live next door who just happens to have a cute troubled 6 year old daughter, who of course the lead character falls in love with.The whole thing descends into nauseating, saccharine, formulaic cinema. Towards the end I was beginning to laugh out loud in the cinema at the predictable happy every after ending, it seemed almost like some kind of spoof or wind up it was so corny.But I suppose, if other people liked this then maybe it's a cultural thing. The US is a much more religious country than mine. I suppose that explains how George Bush got in - right?
No miracles in this one, just time well spent
posted on 24 Apr 2009This is a very good film. It's not a religious film but rather more appropriately labeled a story about having faith in yourself and other people. The cast is excellent and the production has a handmade feel. Just when the story appears to be headed for typical movie themes such as illness or divorce, it surprises by finding the creative razor's edge between those lines. It's not a spoiler to say that "Henry Poole..." serves to remind you that everyone has suffered some kind of loss and seeks renewal in ourselves and each other.There should always be room for films that seek to entertain without vulgar stupidity. In a summer filled with awful, profane vanity projects by well-known comedians, "Henry Poole is Here" is a thoughtful, often funny, always genuine alternative for anyone who is tired of this summer's overflow supply of stoner jokes or groin references.
Over analyzed and not very interesting...seems like Atheists find it amusing
posted on 16 Apr 2009The idea behind the film is simple...touching, moving, mysterious and religious, something anyone can get behind regardless of their beliefs. The concept and idea is decent but the delivery falters a great deal. I do consider myself a religious person who does believe in God and in reading other reviews it seems like reviewers who are stone cold atheists or don't have any religious ties enjoy the film more. And then there are some who just call it preachy rubbish. I don't find the film preachy because I think the viewer is the only one who makes something preachy but it is predictable, slow moving and without a lot of depth considering the content. The main character is extremely predictable and no one ever enters the film who really gives it any meat and potatoes. It feels like a TV movie made by a Church drama group and it just doesn't really impress on any level. The entire film could have been summed up in a half hour and still given the same effect as being two hours.I am not a big fan of Luke Wilson by any means. He has made his share of mistakes and never really impresses in a role. He has had a handful of fortunately decent movies but never because of him. Wilson over acts and churns out predictably as Henry Poole, a terminally ill, depressed and broody man who just wants to be alone. The character is not unwatchable but the sheer idea that a better actor could have done so much is too much to bear. Radha Mitchell is the "hot" neighbor who ends up being Wilson's love interest. Mitchell is probably one of the better performances in the film and I would have rather seen the story from her perspective than his. She is a good actress but is given very little to work with in this film. Adriana Barraza also does a decent job as the quirky neighbor who will do anything to experience the "miracle" of Poole's backyard. Barraza and Wilson have some good chemistry working together and their banter is one of the few redeeming qualities in the film. George Lopez gets top billing for a very small role that is virtually pointless. It's not to say he couldn't pull off drama but this film doesn't prove anything.The last person I would take on as a director for this type of film is a former music video director but sure enough Mark Pellington tries his hand at religious drama and I think causes the main problem with the film. The only setting for the film is this man's house and backyard and it's just boring to watch. The story and idea behind the miracle is not made impressive enough to keep the story rolling. The film is not a complete disaster but when all is said and done it's just not worth watching. I'm not even sure that church goers would even take to this film since it doesn't really focus on any denomination or aspect of the miracle. When all is said and done this one is absolutely over lookable, I mean if you catch it on TV and have nothing else in the world better to do...so be it but you won't find fulfillment or entertainment on this one. 5/10
From an Atheist's PoV...
posted on 06 Apr 2009Though I do not believe in God, I did find this movie powerful and extremely enjoyable to watch. Yes.... This movie will have a strong impact on Christians and faith of God, but it also is a well written and happy story. Luke Wilson does a great job as the main character Henry Pool who suffers a terminal illness. His story gets even sadder when he finds a love interest and her daughter who makes him happier then he has ever been. In addition, his past seems to be filled with sadness. Even if you don't believe in God, you will wish for something to save Henry Pool. The characters are convincing and the story is heart-felt. I'm sorry if you disagree with me, but for those of you who are on the fence on this one, I don't think you will have any regrets spending 8 or so dollars.This is my first review. Hope this helps/ed!
A good watch, but message is a little jumbled
posted on 25 Mar 2009Despite the fact that this film does deal with the face of Jesus appearing on the side of a house, it doesn't say 'the face appeared, so you must believe.' In fact, there seems to be a message concerning overall faith, even on a secular level, in oneself. Though it fails as it becomes a jumbled affair with too many characters sending too many mixed signals.The movie begins with an apathetic, unshaven Luke Wilson buying a rather pricey small house in California, literally drinking his life away. We find halfway through the movie (and on the back of the DVD case) that he supposedly only has six weeks to live. In the midst of all this, the face of Jesus has appeared on the side of his house, believed to be a miracle by all in the neighborhood but him.For me, the film was a predictable affair. Perhaps by the mere description you can call how it ends. I did. The trip there was a little rough and a little fun. The good was in the acting, particularly Luke Wilson. Wilson plays the "down on his luck" everyman fairly well. He also gets a good little emotional scene that's removed from his more recent comedic outings.And while the story is intriguing, it's muddled by too many characters that sometimes detract from the film's theme. Perhaps the writer didn't realize they were doing this. At certain points, it seems like its wearing it's religious beliefs on its sleeve, like in the priest character on in the supermarket girl Patience (which I'm sure has some meaning in this film). By the end of the film, I felt the message had a universal appeal, in spite of the supporting characters. The many characters muddled the themes.Overall, the film is worth a watch, particularly for the always dependable Luke Wilson. It incites a little discussion and while others have felt it a little too religious need to remember that some films do require a little thought, and I personally feel that this film does speak on a more universal level, not just on a religious one. The trick is not to let the many characters distract you.
A Nutshell Review: Henry Poole Is here
posted on 21 Feb 2009From time to time I had wondered how I would react if some doctor was to tell me I have X- number of days left to live. One plan I have is to quit the job, sell off everything, pack some essentials into a backpack, and hit the road to travel round the world, even though I know at some point I would probably succumb to whatever's sapping my life away, and at some unknown place, but man, imagine the adventure where risk is but a word in the dictionary.Or I could opt for what Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) did, buying a house with whatever available cash, binge on vodka and pizza, and live life like a recluse with doors shut and heavy curtains drawn. He's been told that his lifespan is expiring soon, and tries unsuccessfully to buy the house he grew up in, settling instead for a substitute a few blocks down, and shutting himself away from the world as much as he can while waiting for the Grim Reaper to knock on the door. Except that the knocks come from curious neighbours who cannot fathom why this young man is living as he does.It's somewhat similar to Half Nelson where the protagonist is being numb to life, and couldn't care less if his neighbourhood's burning to the ground. Luke Wilson, often overshadowed by his more illustrious brother Owen, carries the weight of this film on his shoulders with nonchalant ease as the titular Henry Poole. He's mean to everyone, in a stage of denial and has this immense rage against the world, despite neighbours such as elderly and religious lady Esperanza (Adriana Barraza), single mother Dawn (Radha Mitchell) and daughter Millie (the cute Morgan Lily who had her 1 minute cut at fame with He's Just Not That Into You), and grocery store checkout girl Patience (Rachel Seiferth) trying their best to connect a little with him and bring him out of his shell.The crux of the story here centers around the mysterious, well, coincidental appearance of a water stain on the wall of his house, and to Esperanza, it looks like the image of Christ. So begins the mad tussle for his sanity when he has to spurn all Esperanza and her friends' advances into his property to pay homage to their God. And to compound matters, miracles start to happen all around Henry on the people he knows, thus challenging his very core beliefs through doubt.Religious allegory aside, the theme here is primarily of hope and not giving up. I still feel a Plan A type as mentioned in my first paragraph, an optimistic, fear none, gung-ho spirit to take the bull by the horns, would be the best way forward. Sitting around moping and wasting away isn't a solution. Something like attempting and completing your bucket list before you call it a day. is. It's also a reminder that one shouldn't be too proud to admit the need for help, and to seek it. After all, the old man up there helps those who help themselves, and we must be the one who knock, so that it can be answered. Watching this modestly pace film allows you ample time to ponder over what you would do, if you were in Henry's exact same situation.Well rounded great acting by the ensemble cast makes this one man journey toward redemption pretty engaging to watch. And having an excellent soundtrack helps to, even though it's just to accompany slow-motion, drama-mam visuals usually with Henry in deep thought, wondering what to do next with the limited time granted to him. Some may not like the cop-out ending, but I felt that it served its purpose in fulfilling its thematic exploration and reminding one and all that nothing's ever hopeless, unless you allow it to.
A slightly quirky movie-length Touched By an Angel
posted on 21 Feb 2009I saw this at a free advanced screening, and I got what I paid for. Going in I knew very little about the movie, which starts out intriguing enough. After Luke Wilson's character moves his scant possessions into a bland suburban LA house, bought for its proximity to another house not for sale (even after offering "whatever they wanted"), he notices a curious mark on the newly refurbished stucco exterior. He actually didn't want anything in the house fixed (or the price negotiated), but the real estate agent had the sellers fix the stucco anyway -- which we learn from the agent herself, who actually appears moments later in his backyard just to check on him. And so begins the first of many improbable "saviors" to appear intrusively in his life (and backyard). Count also the nosy Hispanic neighbor, her priest, the chirpy supermarket cashier, the conveniently hot and newly single other neighbor, her eccentric six year old daughter, and then some. Wilson's character looks obviously depressed and repeatedly asks to be left alone, but in the writer's imagination apparently that's a great way to build social capital! If this strains your suspension of disbelief, you're likely not in the target audience, because (as later discovered in the poster ad) the central plot element is a miracle. Not even a metaphorical or quirky miracle (e.g., the frogs in Magnolia), but the most cliché one possible. Despite this, the movie was at an indie theater and seems marketed at the Sundance crowd. There were some quirky stylistic elements and the soundtrack had the likes of The Eels and recent Bob Dylan, but the movie was heavy-handed, sentimental, unbelievable (on multiple levels), and predictable. Imagine a Sunday night Hallmark Special going for the faux-profundity and style of "Crash" and "American Beauty." It'll probably get nominated for an Oscar.
I LOVE this film including its three world-class performances
posted on 19 Feb 2009Luke Wilson, Rahda Mitchell, and Adriana Barraza give excellent performances. NEVER did I see a movie star on screen; I saw real people behaving in real situations.The plot centers around a man who may be dying and wants to be left alone versus a stain on a wall that may or may not be the face of Jesus Christ and which attracts far more attention than the man wants. Barraza, the Mexican nanny in 'Babel', is excellent as the nosy, caring, way-too-Catholic next-door neighbor who discovers the 'image'. Mitchell, whom I remembered but not where until IMDb pointed me at 'Pitch Black', plays the other next-door neighbor. She has a very natural beauty, and her performance is highly sincere. I've not seen Wilson before--or if I did, I didn't want to remember it--but he too is very convincing as a fellow who believes in little but champagne, Krispy Creme donuts, and pizza.I'm Christian but can't stand to be around blatant, do-gooding, overbearing, preachy Christians, and the writer and director balanced Henry's initial desires to die in peace with the hubbub this so-called image creates.Highly recommended. I'm off to see it again.
Sometimes life gets in the way
posted on 07 Feb 2009Luke Wilson is a man who wants to live a life of quiet desperation and drown his sorrows in as much alcohol as possible. However when the house he buys develops a water stain in the stucco in the back which a neighbor takes to be the face of God, he's forced to interact with the people around him.Amusing little tale that somehow puts together all of its wild characters and makes it into an enjoyable comedy about how one person's faith affects those around him. I liked it. I really don't know what else to say beyond that.Between 6 and 7 out of 10
Insipirational Drift Away From Usual
posted on 05 Feb 2009At first, when my mom rented this, I was upset at the lack of appeal to me. But, being an aspiring director, I agreed to watch it.I'm glad I did. This movie delivers something to keep the mind thinking in not a puzzling, but creative way. The story is very inspirational and the music goes well with the message being delivered.I totally agree with the previous commenter on that this film is something to be seen especially if you are interested in becoming a film maker.You don't need blood, violence, language, and screaming to make something people will remember.This is my first review on IMDb as well and I want people to experience this great movie!
Poor Script and Seriously Compromised Themes
posted on 24 Aug 2009A serious indication of the spiritual immaturity of the contemporary Hollywood approach, "Henry Poole is Here" is an overall silly film with a few good moments that show the seriously botched execution of what could have been a great story.Set in a California suburb with an apparently prominent Hispanic population, Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) moves into a small house near his childhood home hoping to recapture the only time in his life that he ever felt safe. As a water stain believed to be part of a bad stucco job on his wall comes to be believed to be an apparition of Christ, Poole's house becomes a place of pilgrimage for many in his neighborhood. Meanwhile, the originally dour Poole realizes that fixing to die is so hard, that one might as well choose to live.As a study on doubt, spirituality and faith the movie seriously fails, what with every character preaching at you about the wonders of faith in God as they experience His miracles. While Luke Wilson tries his best as Poole, the plight of his character is seriously compromised by what happens to him in the end, in a twist that reveals that he may be in fact a whiny jerk who loves to stew in his own juices, and why should we care about a character like that? Also a lack of discipline in the script and an abundance of extraneous scenes fail to keep in check the attempts at ambiguity that are at least fostered by the script for an overly compromised, "feel good" experience where a more ambiguous and thought-provoking one is required."Henry Poole is Here" has good moments of cinematography, some subtle special effects, and some good music, but it is an overall too silly and lacking in credibility to work.