Film Review: Is Anybody There?

Is Anybody There?
Directed by: John Crowley
Performances by: Bill Milner and Michael Caine.
Film Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

In short, John Crowley’s film entitled, “Is Anybody There?” is a joy to watch. It’s about a 10-year-old Edward (portrayed by Bill Milner) who lives in a home for the elderly during the 1980’s with his parents who are the home’s owners. The many deaths which often occur leads the boy to a fascination with death and the afterlife. During the course of the film, a retired magician named, “Clarence” (as portrayed by Michael Caine) is admitted into the home and the two begin a friendship.

The film evolving mostly around this friendship is strung together by many humorous and poignant moments exploring life, death, and how the past often influences the qualities of both sometimes blurring the distinction. These moments include a fake séance whose purpose is remind us death is not meant to keep those who depart from us in our midst but to hold hands and make contact with the living. Ultimately, this is what the film is about.

There are also moments which gives the audience a glimpse of the physiological effects of becoming older. As someone approaching 50, this reviewer can easily recognize the feeling of lost during the realization my body and mind can not behave as flexibly as they did 20 or 30 years ago. The tears shed in the film reminded me of those shed by my father shortly before his death. A sense of sadness sometimes touches my heart whenever I consider the youthful attributes that has faded away, but I soon remind myself I can do some things now that I was unable to do “back in the day.”

This film also reminds its audience our lives looking toward our future (regardless of how uncertain) is more rewarding than keeping our minds and souls in the past. We can do things we weren’t able to do then and we’ll continue to have the ability to do new things we weren’t able to do previously. This is true at any age and “Is Anybody There?” reinforces this theme throughout.

“Is Anybody There?” (aka “Is There Anybody There?”) is rated PG-13 and is well worth seeing as it‘s humor and poignancy will most likely amuse any member of its audience while touching a few heart stings along the way. It is currently running at The Pocono Community Theatre in East Stroudsburg, PA. Other films currently being shown at The Pocono Community Theater are “Angels and Demons,” “The Cross,” and “The Soloists.” You may visit their website or call 570-421-3456 for show times and dates. Most films run one week from Friday to Thursday but some films may be held over for an additional week or two depending on ticket sales.

“The Soloist” was the film viewed and discussed during the most recent Film and Chat Gathering presented by The Forwardian Arts Society at The Pocono Community Theater on Friday May 1st. You’ll find a review of the film previously posted. The next Film and Chat Gathering will take place Friday June 5th. Please Contact me for more information.