MOVIE REVIEW - Henry Poole Was Here

Don't miss the little independent movie at theaters now, Henry Poole Was Here. I always cheer for these kind of movies, and I'm rooting for this one. I will tell you I walked in to the theater with NO idea what this movie was about, and I'm glad I did.

Luke Wilson stars as Henry Poole. He is a deeply troubled 35ish year old single guy who buys a house in Southern California. From the moment he buys this house, he is coming in contact with various women in his neighborhood, all from different walks of life. They all try to befriend Henry in one way or another, but he resists. And we don't know why.

On the side of his new house there is a water stain that some are seeing as the face of god. But not Henry. He rejects the notion, and the women around him trying to help him see the light. There are deep complexities to Henry they don't know, and neither do we. After a "miracle' or two as a result of this "stain" the conflict builds within Henry on his faith- of which he has none.

Does this sound complicated? It's not! BUT this is a wonderful little movie. I always call this kind of flick "little movies." Small budget, small production, and sometimes these can be the real gems that get lost in the big haystack of movies. This movie is just flat out good.

It's PG, and that's fitting. It's spiritual without being preachy. It's for everyone without being syrupy-sweet, or corny. It's a movie with a nice message, and is a real nice time at the movies. I will say, it's a bit quirky at times as most Indy movies are, but that's fine. Great casting in every role. You've never seen Luke Wilson in a role like this, and I thought casting him in this role was movie making genius. For a guy who usually plays characters on the other end of the acting spectrum, he was refreshing.

I know there are tons of BIG movies out there for your dollars, but if you can try to catch Henry Poole Was Here. If you go stick with it, it's strange and quirky start give way to a real nice time, and will make you feel good as well. Nothing wrong here. Long live the Independent filmmaker! Go Henry!