Review of Henry Poole Is Here (2008) by John L — 17 Mar 2009

I really tend to enjoy these little quirky independent films that are in the theaters for about a week or two and, on the tail end of the summer popcorn movie season, tend to be a breath of fresh air. This is how I found myself in a tiny, near empty theater, excited to see director Mark Pellington's ("U2 3D", "Arlington Road") little "miracles can happen" movie, "Henry Poole is Here" starring Luke Wilson in the title role.

Rookie screenwriter Albert Torres sets his story in modern day southern California, in a little neighborhood where Henry Poole grew up. When the film starts we find Poole in a constant state of "buzzed" no matter what the task is for the day whether it be purchasing a house or buying more booze to keep on being drunk. When Poole buys the house from a perky real estate agent played by Cheryl Hines (HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm") he tells her that he will not try and haggle the price down. He will pay the listed price because as he says "I won't be living here that long". Ah, you see there seems to be a reason why he is abrasive, distant and pouring liquor down his throat all day long. It is in this mentality in which all of his actions derive. I mean, that could be said for anyone in the world; thought dictates action.

All of this seems to be fine, another drunk drinking away his problems which never leave because he just keeps on drinking. This type of thing happens every day. The world keeps on turning. But it is in his neighbor's discovery where the miracle may or may not be. To some, like Henry, it is simply a water stain on a bad stucco job. But to others like his gentle and spiritual neighbor Esperanza, played by Oscar nominee Adriana Barraza ("Babel"), it is the face of Christ. The things that happen while trying to figure out the miracle in the stucco is what embodies the story. The relationships that are made with all of the people in the neighborhood.

If you enjoy these odd little comedies that sometimes can get cheesy at times but hopefully not "Patch Adams" preachy, man I hate that movie, then go check it out. Or wait until DVD because I'm sure it's out of theaters by now.

All in all, not a bad flick at all and perfect for late summer, to help wane us off the popcorn season.