Friday, December 1, 2023
flickfeast
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute
  • Submissions
    • Advertise on Flickfeast
    • Submit a Film
No Result
View All Result
flickfeast
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute
  • Submissions
    • Advertise on Flickfeast
    • Submit a Film
No Result
View All Result
FLICKFEAST
No Result
View All Result
Home Reviews Film Review

The Book of Henry (2017)

Katie Smith-Wong by Katie Smith-Wong
June 19, 2017
in Film Review
The Book of Henry (2017)
16
SHARES
1.6k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Director Colin Trevorrow had only one directorial feature before he signed on to continue the Jurassic Park film series. Despite mixed reviews, Jurassic World achieved a record-breaking box office weekend, grossing $500m worldwide, and is the fourth highest-grossing film of all time. Shortly after he was assigned to direct Star Wars IX, he made this maudlin drama written by Gregg Hurwitz.

The Book of Henry follows precocious 13-year Henry (Jaeden Lieberher), who lives with his younger brother Peter (Room‘s Jacob Tremblay) and mother Susan (Naomi Watts). As Henry increasingly suspects his classmate and neighbour Christina (Maddie Ziegler) of being abused by her stepfather Glenn (Dean Norris), he starts to plan her rescue.

You might also like

The Noble Guardian (2023) – Short Film Review

Wish (2023) – Film Review

A Chocolate Lens (2023) – Short Film Review

Like the eponymous character, The Book of Henry is too sure of itself. Comprising a melee of different tones and plots, Hurwitz’s screenplay expects the audience to understand and support it throughout each emotional development. However, the self-confidence through the direction and screenplay – relying heavily on the sentimental aspects and its cast – doesn’t explain the confusion and elements that are wrapped up all too quickly, denying an opportunity to fully develop the film’s story, along with its supporting characters.

While Henry is a miniature adult, Susan comes across as a grown-up child. In a somewhat unchallenged performance by Watts, whose character likes to drink with her friend Sheila (Sarah Silverman) and play video games, choosing to delegate household duties to Henry, she seems like an irresponsible parent. Even when she is compelled to become involved in the film’s darker developments, she incredulously still needs to be guided by him. As a result, the whole film rests on Henry’s small shoulders.

In addition, the story feels too one-sided. Trevorrow only allows audiences to see things from Henry’s point of view, giving audiences the impression that he is the most mature (therefore credible) character in the ensemble. Aided by his social awkwardness, his startling intelligence and maturity, this provides a somewhat biased opinion of the film’s events, leaving actions by certain characters frustratingly unjustified.

It is a shame that these faults overshadow the film’s appealing cast such as Watts and the adorable Tremblay, as well as occasionally snippy one-liners from its younger characters. This film has a promise of something more than a sentimental family drama, but by incorporating different unnecessary elements, Hurwitz completely misfires, leaving Trevorrow to suffer in the lead-up to Star Wars IX.

Overall, The Book of Henry is confusing and so poorly executed, that not even its talented cast can save it.

The Book of Henry is out in UK cinemas on Friday 23 June.

Director: Colin Trevorrow, Gregg Hurwitz (scr.)
Stars: Naomi Watts, Jacob Tremblay, Jaeden Lieberher, Glenn Norris, Maddie Ziegler
Runtime: 105 minutes
Country: USA

Film Rating: ★☆☆☆☆

Tags: Colin TrevorrowGlenn NorrisGregg HurwitzJacob TremblayJaeden LieberherMaddie ZieglerNaomi wattsThe Book of Henry
Katie Smith-Wong

Katie Smith-Wong

Related Posts

The Noble Guardian (2023) – Short Film Review
Film Review

The Noble Guardian (2023) – Short Film Review

by Calum Cooper
November 27, 2023
Wish (2023) – Film Review
Film Review

Wish (2023) – Film Review

by Katie Smith-Wong
November 23, 2023
A Chocolate Lens (2023) – Short Film Review
Film Review

A Chocolate Lens (2023) – Short Film Review

by Calum Cooper
November 16, 2023
Breakpoint (2023) – Short Film Review
Film Review

Breakpoint (2023) – Short Film Review

by Calum Cooper
November 16, 2023
It Turns Blue (2023) – Short Film Review
Film Review

It Turns Blue (2023) – Short Film Review

by Calum Cooper
November 16, 2023

Recommended

RAINDANCE 2015 – Mile End (2015)

RAINDANCE 2015 – Mile End (2015)

October 7, 2015
LFF 2020 – After Love (2020)

LFF 2020 – Nomadland (2020)

October 16, 2020

Don't miss it

The Noble Guardian (2023) – Short Film Review
Film Review

The Noble Guardian (2023) – Short Film Review

November 27, 2023
Wish (2023) – Film Review
Film Review

Wish (2023) – Film Review

November 23, 2023
A Chocolate Lens (2023) – Short Film Review
Film Review

A Chocolate Lens (2023) – Short Film Review

November 16, 2023
Breakpoint (2023) – Short Film Review
Film Review

Breakpoint (2023) – Short Film Review

November 16, 2023
It Turns Blue (2023) – Short Film Review
Film Review

It Turns Blue (2023) – Short Film Review

November 16, 2023
A Binding Truth (2023) – Film Review
Film Review

A Binding Truth (2023) – Film Review

November 16, 2023
flickfeast

Whetting your appetite for cinema with the best film reviews and features since 2009

© Copyright - flickfeast. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Festivals
  • FrightFeast
  • Spotlight
  • Contribute

© Copyright - flickfeast. All Rights Reserved.

Posting....