Henry Poole is Here
Changing his attitude will take a miracle.
A disillusioned man (Luke Wilson) goes into hiding in placid suburbia only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope.
His life turned upside down by circumstances beyond his control, Henry Poole (Luke Wilson) returns to the middle class neighborhood where he grew up, hoping to find some peace and solitude. But Henry's solo retreat is disrupted by a trio of female neighbors: a well-meaning busybody named Esperenza (Adriana Barraza), who drops by with a plate of homemade tamales and a whole lot of questions; solemn eight-year-old Millie (Morgan Lily), who hasn't spoken a word in the years since her parent's break-up, but who surreptitiously records neighborhood chatter and plays it back—often at the most inopportune moments—and her mother, Dawn (Radha Mitchell), the beautiful young divorcee next door who sparks unexpected tenderness in Henry.
When Esperenza discovers a stain on Henry's stucco wall that appears to have miraculous powers, the irrepressible optimist begins leading pilgrimages to the "holy site" and invites church officials, including her pastor, Father Salazar (George Lopez), to inspect the apparition. Inspired by her convictions, the faithful who gather there begin to report inexplicable events, which they attribute to the wondrous powers of the wall.
As the miracle-seeking crowd in his backyard grows and his silent friendship with Millie brings him closer to Dawn, a skeptical Henry is irresistibly drawn back into the world he has tried to leave behind. Gradually he begins to observe the miracle of hope, and then experiences its healing powers first hand.
Member Reviews
Disappointing - ZippityDooDa
I forget why I added this to my zip list in the first place.
Plot = predictable
Acting = mediocre
Sets, location, costume = nothing special
This is a faith-based movie which is mildly entertaining. The plot is not believable though. The best thing about watching it was seeing the great weather.Henry Poole is a character that will stay with you - napierslogs
Henry Poole is here, but to him, only for awhile. Luke Wilson in a very mature and refined role plays Henry Poole, a character who has given up on the future—in every sense of it. He just wants to be left alone. But that becomes increasingly difficult when a devout Christian neighbour thinks a water stain on his wall is actually the face of Christ.
For the most part, the turns from there are comical. The passion his neighbours have in their faith contrasted with his resolute atheism are played up perfectly without offending either. His internal struggles of living a meaningless life are put on hold as he struggles with remaining in solitary but still being cordial towards his well-meaning neighbours who insist on trespassing, vandalizing, and gardening in his backyard. As his neighbours attempt to change his beliefs, he needs to start readjusting his views of life and the future.
There are some serious (at least to him) resolutions that Henry Poole has to come to. The fairly simple journey the film takes, and the rather profound journey that Henry must take, are slow, thoughtful, and meaningful. "Henry Poole is Here" doesn't have to be viewed as a religion vs. atheism debate, because that's not what it is at all. It's just a character study.
"Henry Poole is Here" got a limited release having been marketed as a religious film but then failing to win over that audience. It's DVD release still didn't get the audience it deserved. I was elated to find it playing on "Saturday Night at the Movies" on TV as this was a character that has stayed with me for two years. On repeat viewing, it was easy to see why. Henry Poole will be with me for many more.
Follow my blog Napierslogs' Movie Expositions at http://napierslogs.blogspot.comGOOD SUNDAY AFTERNOON FLICK - nickell
Great movie if you're looking for a lazy Sunday afternoon flick. Luke Wilson is excellent as Henry Poole a man down on his luck from a semi tragic past. Confronted with what others see as a miracle Hnery first denies and fights it's apparent healing effects choosing to instead suffer in silence. What does the future hold for this long suffering man, and what do a little girl and her mother along with a persistant neighbour, and a grocery store clerk have to to to convice him he's worth while? Take the time to find out, you won't regret it.
Member Reviews
Read All...
Disappointing - ZippityDooDa
I forget why I added this to my zip list in the first place.
Plot = predictable
Acting = mediocre
Sets, location, costume = nothing special
This is a faith-based movie which is mildly entertaining. The plot is not believable though. The best thing ...Henry Poole is a character that will stay with you - napierslogs
Henry Poole is here, but to him, only for awhile. Luke Wilson in a very mature and refined role plays Henry Poole, a character who has given up on the future—in every sense of it. He just wants to be left alone. But that becomes increasingly difficult when ...GOOD SUNDAY AFTERNOON FLICK - nickell
Great movie if you're looking for a lazy Sunday afternoon flick. Luke Wilson is excellent as Henry Poole a man down on his luck from a semi tragic past. Confronted with what others see as a miracle Hnery first denies and fights it's apparent healing effects ...