After seeing a number of big-budget, high adrenaline type films which is common fare in the summer season, it's great to see a small independent film to bring us back to a human scale once again. When I saw the trailer of "The Book of Henry", it didn't sell it to me, but I like Naomi Watts, so I decided to take a chance and did I get more than I bargained for.
Sometimes things are not always what they seem, especially in the small suburban town, Calvary, where the Carpenter family resides. Single suburban mother Susan Carpenter (Naomi Watts) works as a waitress at a diner, alongside feisty family friend Sheila (Sarah Silverman). Her younger son Peter (Jacob Tremblay) is a playful 8-year-old. Taking care of everyone and everything in his own unique way is Susan's older son, Henry (Jaeden Lieberher), age 11. Protector to his adoring younger brother and tireless supporter of his often self-doubting mother--and, through investments, of the family as a whole--Henry blazes through the days like a comet. Susan discovers that the family next door, which includes Henry's kind classmate Christina (Maddie Ziegler), has a dangerous secret--and that Henry has devised a surprising plan to help. As his brainstormed rescue plan for Christina takes shape in thrilling ways, Susan finds herself at the center of it.
Others to round out the cast are Dean Norris as Glenn Sickleman, Lee Pace as Dr. David Daniels, Tonya Pinkins as Principal Wilder, Bobby Moynihan as John, Geraldine Hughes as Mrs. Evans and Maxwell Simkins as Tommy.
This was effectively directed by Colin Trevorrow ("Reality Show" (Documentary) '04, "Gary: Under Crisis" (TV movie) '05, "Safety Not Guaranteed" '12, "Jurassic World" '15) plus a short. He doesn't have a ton of experience, but what he has directed has made an impact. Just to show us how determined of a filmmaker he is, he is one of the executive producers fo the upcoming "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" slated for a 2018 release as he is directing "Star Wars: Episode IX" that has been announced for a 2019 release. This is one busy guy. The toned down attitude which Lieberher displays for the role of Henry is pure directing genius. It was creatively written by Gregg Hurwitz (a Novelist and TV series). Even though this was written by a complete newcomer to the theatrical film realm, he exceled well in his portrayal of this very eclectic family with issues, but at the same time keep each other's back. Other than a couple of very small places of slowness and a bit of lack of cohesiveness in script in at least one spot, this was a taught, well thought out story. Let's put it this way, if this is how well this writer can write at this time, how well will he be able to write a few more films to his credit? Watts as Susan and for sure Lieberher as Henry was brilliant casting in that Lieberher didn't play the typical kid, but he portrayed this character so we, the audience could empathize so well with him.
The fact that this was written with multiple genres in mind, I'm not sure was written purposely that way or was an error, but regardless, it worked for this script. It's like you could laugh and cry within the same paragraph of dialogue. It was heartfelt, however a box of Kleenex might be store to bring as you leave your house.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 105mins.
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