Review of Labor Day (2013) by Nate Z — 21 May 2014

Labor Day weekend is the setting of the Jason Reitman-directed drama. It's not my usual kind of story or film, yet it created the most powerful emotional identification with a movie I've experienced in a long time. The acting is wonderful, and there is constant palpable tension. While some found it clichéd, I found it to be completely genuine.

Beginning with the principal cast; Kate Winslet was incredible as Adele, a vulnerable, slightly mysterious character hard to precisely define. Her chemistry was excellent with Josh Brolin, who was wonderful in his own right and is becoming a huge star. Gattlin Griffith plays her son Henry, adept at portraying an uncomfortable adolescent. Also interesting was the character Eleanor, growing up way too fast.

My one gripe is the plot, which is completely implausible. Although tender, this story does not reach "Nicholas Sparks-style sappiness," as others claim. I thought of Eastwood's "A Perfect World" while I watched this film, maybe because I am a huge Eastwood fan, but at least one professional critic noted a similarity. The story is tied up neatly at the end also. I appreciated the fast forward to adult Henry (Tobey Maguire), the prison release, and the reunion of Adele and Frank. It surely is sentimental but also made the film much more satisfying than had it ended with Frank's apprehension. Highly recommended for Winslet/Brolin fans or just heartfelt drama fans.