Synopsis

Sometimes things are not always what they seem, especially in the small suburban town where the Carpenter family lives. Single suburban mother Susan Carpenter works as a waitress at a diner, alongside feisty family friend Sheila. Her younger son Peter is a playful 8-year-old. Taking care of everyone and everything in his own unique way is Susan’s older son Henry, age 11.

Protector to his adoring younger brother and tireless supporter of his often self-doubting mother – and, through investments, of the family as a whole – Henry blazes through the days like a comet. Susan discovers that the family next door, which includes Henry’s kind classmate Christina, has a dangerous secret – and that Henry has devised a surprising plan to help. As his brainstormed rescue plan for Christina takes shape in thrilling ways, Susan finds herself at the center of it.

Specifications
The Book of Henry - Movie Cover
Focus Features
1080p, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, 2:1 Aspect Ratio
2017, Rated PG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes
Starring: Naomi Watts, Jaeden Lieberher, Jacob Tremblay, Sarah Silverman, Lee Pace
Directed by: Colin Trevorrow

Rating

Entertainment:
Video:
Audio:
Extras:

Violence: Mild
Sex: No
Language: Mild

Commentary

The Book of Henry - Blu-Ray Movie Review

The Book of Henry tells the story of Henry, an 11-year-old prodigy who also happens to run his single-mother’s household, and his plan to help his next-door neighbor escape the torture of her abusive stepfather. Though Henry has a fight of his own to wage, he clearly is always thinking of others and the greater good.

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It is with this determination and care that Henry sets out to build an immaculately detailed plan to help is neighbor Christina. The plan is designed to be carried out by his mother, who, while very loving, seems to be lacking some basic parental skills.

The Book of Henry - Movie Review

Let’s be honest here. The Book of Henry got pretty universally panned. However, I never let that cloud my judgment when doing my own review. I happened to find the story pretty compelling, and the characters very interesting. It’s difficult to fully review the film without giving away spoilers. There are some major plot twists during the course of the film that I did not see coming initially – and they really worked. The characters are challenged in ways that you may not have expected and to see how they responded was rewarding.

The Book of Henry - Blu-ray Review

In fact, for much of the subject matter it dealt with, I was very impressed by the performances. Naomi Watts took a quirky character that many of us could not believe to be a good mother, and made her such. Jaeden Lieberher did an excellent job as Henry, creating a character who was not only a genius, but compassionate and caring, especially for those that needed it most. Jacob Tremblay furthered his acting chops as well as Henry’s brother Peter.

The Book of Henry - Review

All in all, the film is worth a viewing. I certainly cannot say that everyone will enjoy the movie, indeed, some may agree with the critics entirely. What I can say is that I personally enjoyed it and would not hesitate to recommend it.

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Technical

The video transfer of the film looked very good. Colors were deep and crisp. The cinematography was well done. There were plenty of interestingly framed shots. Audio was excellent as well. The musical score really helped carry the film and it sounded excellent here in DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio.

Extras
  • Digital Copy of The Book of Henry (Digital Copy redemption code subject to expiration. See product insert for details.)
  • Filming The Book of Henry
  • The Book of Henry: The Cast