From Mark Pellington, the director of 'The Mothman Prophecies' comes 'Henry Poole is Here' a charming comedy starring Luke Wilson, Radha Mitchell, Adriana Barraza, George Lopez and Cheryl Hines. Luke Wilson is Henry Poole - a disillusioned man who has just found out that he has six weeks to live. Deciding to spend his remaining days in seclusion Henry leaves his job, his fiancee and overbearing mother and returns to the neighbourhood where he grew up. But Henry's plans for seclusion are dashed when his neighbour notices a stain on his wall that she believes is the face of Jesus Christ. Soon his back yard turns into shrine and Henry is forced to question his beliefs in life, love and faith.
Directed by
Mark Pellington
Written by
Albert Torres
Starring
Luke Wilson (Henry Poole); Radha Mitchell (Dawn); Adriana Barraza (Esperanza); George Lopez (Father Salazar); Cheryl Hines (Meg); Richard Benjamin (Dr. Fancher); Morgan Lily (Millie Stupek); Rachel Seiferth (Patience); Beth Grant (Josie). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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A faith-film breakthrough
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
I consider 'Henry Poole is Here' to be something of a faith-film breakthrough. First of all, the marketing for the film, intentionally or not, didn't come across as being as faith-affirming as the overall message of the film turned out to be by the end credits. Savvy marketing at its best! Second, the portrayal of Father Salazar (by George Lopez), was the most-positive portrayal of a Catholic priest I've seen in a film for many many years... friendly, honest, balanced, assertive - the tide might have turned in Hollywood. Additionally, Esperanza, Henry's next-door neighbour, was also afforded a respect, and a lack of stereo-typing and/or patronising, that Hispanics are normally inflicted with on the silver screen. All in all, there were more than just a few positive breakthroughs. Luke Wilson was highly commendable in his role as the depressed Henry, and although from my point of view I would've liked to have seen him raise a bit more of an authentic smile come the conclusion to the story, I think the mood the film actually leaves on will speak volumes to those in a similar state of mind as Henry - and with depression such an issue throughout the West, those people are not few in number. The supporting cast is also tremendous; in particular Rachel Seiferth did a tremendous job as the hope-affirming 'Patience', and the beautiful Radha Mitchell gave an understated performance as Dawn; Henry's other next-door neighbour. I hope 'Henry Poole is Here' becomes something of a 'sleeper' hit, but even if it does not, I know its mere existence in the film world will bring many blessings in itself.
