What an enjoyable movie. It's no cinema blockbuster, but it's a great sofa show! Richard Jenkins plays his character perfectly, in fact the whole cast seem to have been perfectly cast. Haaz Sleiman is infectious and charismatic throughout, he is really likable and you really connect with him, and feel his plight. The film does evoke a lot of pity, but also a lot of joy and hope; you will find yourself smiling a lot.

It's a very pretty film, with some nicely shot scenes a definite weekend movie to cosy on the sofa too.

Review by bookhouse_parks

Recently, the nominees for the best actor award at the Oscars are putting in top performances in average or poor films. I think Jenkins is great in the lead and fully deserved acknowledgement for his work.

The thing is, the film is also great.

Jenkins’ character is sad and insular and not ‘likable’ to begin with. But that’s the kind of character that I do like and want to know more about. He has depth and room to grow or change. The opening scene with the piano teacher really sets him up and the vibe for the rest of the film.

It’s a little off-beat and, dare I say it, quirky, but it was nice to have that aspect in a film that is dealing with the serious issue of immigration in the United States and how immigrants are handled and treated.

In a filmic sense, there are a couple of nice shots that stand out but generally it’s uncomplicated and lets the narrative guide the viewer.

I’d recommend it to anyone who doesn’t need to see something exploding on screen every thirty seconds. You don’t have to invest yourself in the immigration story if you don’t want to and can just enjoy the superb acting and journey that the protagonist takes.

Oh, and there are some bongoes.

Review by bookhouse_dude