recommended

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

which, along with unsubtle character names Esperanza, Patience, and Dawn, seems unnecessary and very slightly cheapens the film for me - quarter of a star less. Viewers do not need these signposts. The film stands on its own.I love Luke Wilson's slowness, letting emotion flow between his words. Seems to me the film is about reaching out - and getting hurt - but still taking that risk of getting hurt, the next time. Is that the definition of insanity? - or faith - or is it love? Or all?(It's now bugging me that I can't find any significance in the name of the other primary character Millie - Millicent means work and strength, which doesn't seem to fit. At least be consistent!)I've watched this film one and three-quarter times. It's on my list of "films I'll watch each time they're on".

Mark Pellington's 'Henry Poole Is Here' could have easily become just another one of those 'depressed loner finds hope in company' films but even though the story isn't particularly original, it is Mark Pellington's treatment of Torres's script and Torres's writing that really make this film standout from the usual. Just to get this out of the way, religion is a key theme but one doesn't have to be religious to enjoy this film (many atheists seem to have liked this too). The key theme of 'Henry Poole Is Here' is hope, that even at the worst of times when everything appears pointless, hope can make that much-needed difference in someone's life.The writing is solid. Much of the film is dialogue driven. The dialogues themselves are loaded with some clever humour and interesting philosophy. Moreover, I like it when a lot could be said with a few words. The characters are quite well developed. Even the minor ones are very well defined.Given the themes, this could have easily been just another special effects dominated flick, but I liked that Pellington managed to avoid that by keeping it simple. Instead, fine use is made of Eric Schmidt's cinematography, especially in the sequences where the camera is in motion. The soundtrack is likable. Although it could have been slightly toned down in places. Lighting is excellent.The performances are brilliant. Luke Wilson does a first rate job. Ditto for Radha Mitchell. Child actress Morgan Lilly is good too, especially in the scenes where she's doing the talking with non-verbal gestures. Adriana Barraza is superb as Henry's religious and kind neighbour. Rachel Seifert too does a brilliant job in a small role. Cheryl Hines provides good support.This may not be a one of a kind movie but it's nice to watch a feel good engaging film that reminds us what's important and lift ones spirit.

Henry Poole is here, but to him, only for awhile. Luke Wilson in a very mature and refined role plays Henry Poole, a character who has given up on the future—in every sense of it. He just wants to be left alone. But that becomes increasingly difficult when a devout Christian neighbour thinks a water stain on his wall is actually the face of Christ.For the most part, the turns from there are comical. The passion his neighbours have in their faith contrasted with his resolute atheism are played up perfectly without offending either. His internal struggles of living a meaningless life are put on hold as he struggles with remaining in solitary but still being cordial towards his well-meaning neighbours who insist on trespassing, vandalizing, and gardening in his backyard. As his neighbours attempt to change his beliefs, he needs to start readjusting his views of life and the future.There are some serious (at least to him) resolutions that Henry Poole has to come to. The fairly simple journey the film takes, and the rather profound journey that Henry must take, are slow, thoughtful, and meaningful. "Henry Poole is Here" doesn't have to be viewed as a religion vs. atheism debate, because that's not what it is at all. It's just a character study."Henry Poole is Here" got a limited release having been marketed as a religious film but then failing to win over that audience. It's DVD release still didn't get the audience it deserved. I was elated to find it playing on "Saturday Night at the Movies" on TV as this was a character that has stayed with me for two years. On repeat viewing, it was easy to see why. Henry Poole will be with me for many more.

Too bad some of the reviewers here and on Netflix couldn't get past the misnomer "comedy" enough to find the truly beautiful and uplifting aspects of this film. I did actually laugh in a few places, but at its core, this movie is an art film about hope, faith, the angst of human existence and the redeeming power of love. The editing, gorgeous photography and lush musical score were exquisite. I watched it for the second time with my wife, who said it's one of the best movies she's seen in a long time. Henry Poole is more inspirational than anything else. The comedy is not the main element. To anyone but a grumpy agnostic or die-hard atheist, it will bring a tear to your heart and soul. This is truly a movie for the family to see together. It does not have the sex and violence of much of today's Hollywood output. The cast was perfect in their roles. I rate this a 10/10.