Philomena

Philomena

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 12/27/13

Reviewed 1/2/14 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Lynne

3 1/2 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

This film was such a pleasant surprise for both of us. From what little we knew about it it, we thought it was going to be dull, but we both loved it. Judi Drench as Philomena was a delight and will probably get her an Oscar nod. With all the English humor floating around pay attention so you don't miss anything.

Based on the 2009 book by Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan), it captures the story of kind-hearted Philomena Lee. She was a 1952 unwed Irish Catholic teen mother and finds herself amongst some very angry nuns in an Ireland convent. The girls give birth, then are allowed to visit with their children one hour per day in between their slave labor to pay off their debts to the barbaic establishment.

Philomena's worst fears come true as she watches in horror from a window as a wealthy American couple whisk away her son Anthony after "adopting" him and a little girl. Now fast forward some fifty years. Philomena is in her 70s, not bitter but actually full of guilt that forces her to pour out her soul to her grown daughter. She has a fateful encounter with Martin Sixsmith. He was once a prominent journalist in the UK, but now is doing freelance. When the two pair up, neither quite imagines where this journey might take them. The search is on to find her son wherever that may lead them. There is many funny lines spewing out of Drench that really bring what could be a serious film some laugh out loud moments.

Like when the two of them are in Washington, D.C. and she would rather watch Big Momma's House in her hotel room than go touristing and see the Lincoln Memorial. Philomena and Martin toggle back and forth between calling on the dreadful convent and searching America for her adopted out son, to back to the convent for answers. The initial roadblocks they receive from the nursery are no wonder, but it doesn't stop Martin who really wants to break the story and help the elderly lady who he is growing very fond of. Searching for Anthony in D.C. bring out some amazing coincidences and even intertwine with American politics. While Lynne and I weren't prepared with Kleenex, it's advisable to have one or two for dabbing as it all comes to a close. Philomena was enjoyable and yet unexpected to the extent that we both loved it. If this is still around in the theaters, go see it. Or tuck this one away to see the day it comes out via On Demand and see what a charmer this movie is.

QUIET Rating system: 3½ Js

Quality: JJJ

Understood story:  JJJj

Interest: JJJJ

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  JJJJ