"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

A film that has attracted a lot of negative comment finally gets a viewing. There have been comments ranging from it being too soon for another film about 9/11, or that the film is boring or that the young actor playing Oskar is annoying. I can certainly tell you that for this reviewer, none of those comments apply.

Oskar is a young boy living his life in New York with his parents, and life is pretty good for him. He is somewhat weary around people, and has mannerisms that some may find unusual, he may be dealing with Asperger's Syndrome. He clearly feels more connected to his father, and Oskar is regularly set challenges for him to face, something to get him thinking, something to get him out into the big wide world.
Then the tragic events of September 11th 2001 occur, and like so many children that day, Oskar finds himself without a father. When going through some of his father's possesions, he finds a key. So Oskar uses this discovery to set himself a new challenge, and find out how the key is connected to his father. In some ways it is a story strand similar to one explored in "Hugo", in that the key is a link to his father, and by finding out its history, it keeps that link to his father alive.
So off Oskar sets on his journey.

Some have argued that the journey Oskar embarks on is not realistic as here is a young boy, venturing into New York, and does not encounter any rogue elements. I personally do not have a problem with that, I feel sure that not everyone who lives in New York meets a pick-pocket, thief or rapist around every corner.
Oskar being so methodical with the challenges that his father has set him in the past devises a way to hopefully get to the truth behind the key. He also meets the Renter, an elderly man living with his Grand-mother, a man who does not speak, and clearly has demons from his past. The two form an unlikely alliance. But Oskar has demons of his own, especially from 'the worst day', his way of referring to 9/11.

The film may not be in 3D, it may not have bullet after bullet flying across the screen, and may not have action packed car chases, it is just a great story being told through the eyes of a young boy. And yes there are those people who will find it boring. I for one did not. It is beautifully told, and the Direction from Stephen Daldry, as one would expect, is faultless.
The cast are all excellent, and it is easy to see why Max Von Sydow was nominated for non-speaking role as The Renter. At 82 years of age, he is still able to show why he is one of the World's most respected actors. But even here he has been overshadowed by Thomas Horn, a young actor in his first film appearance, and he gives an astonishing performance.
When you look at some of Daldry's past work, they have involved remarkable performances from young actors, and here he has done it yet again.

A compelling and well made story.......8 out of 10