Review of Labor Day (2013) by Jimmy H — 27 Apr 2014

Much has been written about that peach pie scene ... and while it isn't a good one I think it has detracted from many of the better elements of Labor Day. Director Jason Reitman (Juno, Up In the Air, Young Adult) has perhaps given us his weakest film here but it is still a better drama than many lesser directors can muster.

Labor Day is about a 13-year old boy who fears he isn't enough for his reclusive, divorced mother (Kate Winslet) as she slides into a depression he cannot understand. Their lives are changed over the course of a long weekend with the arrival of an escaped convict (Josh Brolin - No Country for Old Men) who isn't necessarily what he seems.

The plot is formulaic and has some holes, but the acting of the film is quite strong -- Winslet is always good. Labor Day isn't a great film but I'd say it is marginally good. It could easily be seen as sap by some; but I think most of the story avoids that by trying to remain mostly "real" and therefore being slightly engaging.

It is a Winslet film I won't buy but it also doesn't bother me that I spent time watching it.