Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

The Book of Henry Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Martin Liebman October 3, 2017

The Book of Henry has long been a passion project for Writer Gregg Hurwitz and it's certainly a departure film for Director Colin Trevorrow who helmed 2015's Jurassic World and wrote the sequel, scheduled for release in 2018. Indeed, The Book of Henry is an interesting film to sandwich around dino-duty for the up-and-coming filmmaker. It's a picture that's significantly smaller in scale, tonally very different, and absent any complex visual effects. It's an intimate story of life, death, maturity, and making a difference in the world. The film is a tonal roller coaster, shifting about styles and feelings as it transitions from one act to the next, but it's well assembled, sharply written, and nicely performed. It doesn't quite resonate on the same level of other kid-centric films that offer some insight into contemporary domestic life, whether tearjerkers like Bridge to Terabithia or larger Adventure films like Zathura, but it's nevertheless a uniquely structured and largely agreeable little film with a lot to offer to the open-minded viewer.

Eleven-year-old Henry (Jaeden Lieberher) is sharp as a tack, smarter than not only anyone else in school but more capable than most any adult. His mind is a vast pool of knowledge. He takes care of the family finances and has gamed the stock market and made his family very rich. But his mother Susan (Naomi Watts) refuses to live in luxury. She refuses to give up to her run-down car and waitresses for next to nothing compared to what Henry has made for her, even if her time could be better spent taking care of Henry and her other son, Henry's younger brother, Peter (Jacob Tremblay). Henry's latest mission in life is to save his next-door neighbor Christina (Maddie Ziegler) from abuse at the hands of her stepfather Glenn (Dean Norris). Henry sees her grades slipping, her demeanor changing, but nobody will do anything about it. He sets in motion several plans to rescue her, but when tragedy strikes, it's suddenly up to his mother to carry out Henry's plan and save Christina's life.

The Book of Henry manages to hold together even as it drastically slips from one style to another across its three acts. In the beginning, it's largely a happy-go-lucky look at life with a child prodigy who is more a parental figure in his home than is his own mother. Henry takes care of the family finances, is the primary breadwinner through stock market gamesmanship, chides his mother for playing too much Gears of War, and refuses to allow his little brother to purchase sugary junk food at the grocery store. The second act is a classic tearjerker. The third act turns into a semi-dark Thriller as Susan learns to handle a gun and prepares to assassinate her next-door neighbor. It's different to say the least, at least in terms of movie structure. But maybe that's the point. Life is unpredictable. It can turn on a dime. One event can forever alter one's actions and outlook.

But the movie is also a celebration of life. It's about making a difference, about using whatever time one may or may not have to do something positive. Certainly, planning and advocating murder might not be everyone's idea of doing something positive, even if the one and only target is an abusive stepfather, but one cannot argue the good intentions behind Henry's plan to take out Glenn. The movie counters the heavy stuff with some lightheartedness that joins Susan's quest to off her neighbor in the third act as Henry guides her through his plan's broad strokes and necessary intricacies alike. And if all else fails, there's no denying the rather unique structure and storyline behind it all. It's easy to see why the film has proven a bit divisive. It's not a comfortable movie, but it's well done, strongly performed -- particularly by Jaeden Lieberher, who previous impressed in St. Vincent -- and offers a largely uplifting look at a boy who only wants what's best for those around him.

The Book of Henry Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The Book of Henry was shot on film, a rarity in this day-and-age and a real treat for a new release. Universal's 1080p Blu-ray offers a satisfying picture, stable and accurate in all regards. Grain retention is consistent and light, accentuating the image's textural qualities and creating a satisfying filmic veneer. Images are consistently sharp. Whether complex facial features, structural elements and small details around the family's house, items in the diner where Susan works, or natural details out in the woods where Henry has built his treehouse, there's no shortage of visually interesting and finely defined qualities to enjoy. Colors are very well saturated, a tick warm but offering pleasantly diverse and robust hues throughout the film, whether fall foliage, colorful clothes, or various accents around the film's key locations. Black levels hold deep. Skin tones are fine. No major examples of wear or encode flaws are readily apparent.

The Book of Henry Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Book of Henry features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The track is rather simple, but it's also organic and capable of handling the film's largely modest sound needs with ease. Music plays well, hitting all the right qualities including seamless width, strong clarity, and balanced surround and subwoofer compliment. Atmospheric immersion is fine, whether light din at the diner where Susan works or gentle outdoor supports. There's not much intensity, though some tap dancing late in the film does send some heavier sound elements into the stage. Dialogue propels most of the film, and it's presented without issue.

The Book of Henry Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The Book of Henry contains two extras. A DVD copy of the film and a voucher for a UV/iTunes digital copy are included with purchase.

• Filming The Book of Henry (1080p, 9:06): A look at the story's history and permutations, characters and performances, plot details, Colin Trevorrow's work, shooting on film, and production design with emphasis on the tree house set.
• The Book of Henry: The Cast (1080p, 8:52): As the title suggests, this piece more closely examines the key cast in the film, including chemistry and camaraderie, understanding the characters they portray, crafting difficult scenes, casting comedic actors in dramatic roles, and more.

The Book of Henry Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The Book of Henry can be a frustrating watch if one isn't prepared for the emotional roller coaster and the equally jerking changes in tone throughout the film. Yet it's different. It stands out from cookie-cutter genre pictures, intermixing styles and themes but always returning to the tale of one boy's quest to better the lives of those around him. It's well made and strongly performed, perhaps not with much replay value but it's a good watch and one that will leave the viewer thinking about it well after it's done. Universal's Blu-ray delivers quality video and audio. A couple of extras round out an agreeable little package. Recommended.