Henry Poole Is Here MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: -1

Luke Wilson, Adriana Barraza. Comedy/drama. Written by Albert Torres II. Directed by Mark Pellington.

FILM SYNOPSIS: When a man discovers that he has only a short time to live, he leaves his job, buys a rundown house in the neighborhood he grew up in and plans to spend his remaining days in seclusion. But after the realtor has the back of the home newly stuccoed, his kind, Catholic neighbor immediately sees the face of Jesus on the back wall. To the consternation of the pessimistic Mr. Poole, the religious discovery begins to draw people from all over the town, including the next-door divorcee and her doe-eyed little girl.

Depressed and angry, our central character cant bring himself to believe in miracles, despite those going on before his eyes. But God is merciful and patient.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Most of the film resonates with the leads depression. It is a bit too somber. But there is also joy, and when Henry and the other characters discover this jubilation, there are uplifting, inspiring moments that make it worth the wait.

Now, many of us tend to raise an eyebrow whenever we hear of someone discovering the face of our Lord on a wall or the bark of a tree. But the film is about discovering faith, with a subplot concerning the intriguing concept of whether things merely happen by circumstance. Are the details of life governed merely by happenstance, or are they a part of a great plan? Do things happen by chance or do they purposely serve to develop our nature?

These same questions were raised more soundly in M. Night Shayamalans dramatic thriller Signs. Despite Henry Pooles moving performances all around, and the filmmakers sincerity, Signs is a more entertaining film. But it is a pleasure to see a movie that avoids explosions and masked superheroes, one that embraces relationships and story. There are a few funny scenes, many moving moments, and a couple of displays of true gleefulness. I havent seen many of those lately. And I see a lot of movies.

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Distributor: Overture Films