Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Drama, Tearjerker
4 stars
Sweet, sad film about a neurotic boy (Thomas Horn) who lost his Dad on 9/11 and tries to figure out what a key his Dad left behind is for (Tom Hanks). The boy had way too much freedom and not enough discipline – why is he so rude to his doorman (John Goodman)?? – and he really needed a therapist. Sandra Bullock has a fairly small, understated role as the boy’s Mom. Max von Sydow played a neighbor with his own set of problems. There were a few sniffles but no tears, and I tend to be quite emotional in general, but I did want to slap that kid! Best picture nominee – I really don’t know why, but the kid deserves a nomination for his role. I liked the ending.