The Book of Henry
Review by Myla Tosatto
In a summer of super heroes, kings, aliens, mummies, cartoon villains and whatever Transformers are, it is refreshing to see an original movie pop up at the cinema. It seems that we are so caught up in sequels and flashy stars and special effects that we miss quirky films like The Book of Henry. The Book of Henry isn’t a horror movie, or a space opera, or a superhero back story, it’s unusual. The best way to describe it is that it’s a suspenseful dramedy that borders on the weepy family film yet has you on the edge of your seat. See? Different.
The Book of Henry is the story about Henry Carpenter (Jaeden Lieberher), his mom Susan (Naomi Watts), his brother Peter (Jacob Tremblay) and the girl next door Christina (Maddie Ziegler). Rounding out the cast of characters is Dean Norris as Glenn Sickleman, Sarah Silverman as Sheila, and Lee Pace as Dr. David Daniels. Henry is a genius who is wise beyond his years. Because of this, the weight of the world rests on Henry’s shoulders as he takes care of his mom and brother and tries to take care of his neighbor when he finds out that she is being abused by her stepfather. The mission then becomes his mother’s.
SPOILER (Kind of): On my wedding day, I made a huge mistake. HUGE. No, not that (I have been happily married for 25 years). I watched My Girl (starring Anna Chulmsky and Macaulay Culkin) while getting ready. I was a sobbing, teary mess. My advice to you- DON’T watch the Book of Henry while getting ready for your big day. You’ve been warned.
The Book of Henry is now playing in theaters!