Fin de semana

This is one film where the synopsis does not do the film justice. If I had only read that, I doubt if I would have watched the film at all. Even though the summary is correct, it fails to elucidate the subtleties in the plot and the fine acting that underpins the storyline.

First of all, I hate films that feature kids. The kids are all stereotyped in most films. Either they are too cute or too cynical, spoiled, and arrogant to be compelling. You can be sure that 1) they will be the one that cause the problems or 2) they will be transformed into 'good kids' by the end of the film.

Jaeden Lieberher, who plays the main kid role, is believable. Clive Owen, who I think is often underrated as an actor, does his usual solid performance as a recovering alcoholic-father. But it is the supporting actors who bring this slice-of-life drama to perfection. The emotional fine points in the plot could not have come through without them.

After watching it myself, I decided to watch the film with my 13-year-old son. Normally, he likes the action movie, super hero, special effects-laden films, so this was a bit of a transition. The verdict? He could associate with a lot of the interactions that went on in the film from a kid's point of view and enjoyed watching it. Adults will like it for the insights into adult relationships.

It will not be for everyone. I would guess most kids will be waiting for the next exploding car or 15 minute fight scene, which will never happen, just as they never happen so frequently in real life.

I know this film will pass largely unnoticed, which is why I felt obliged to write a review of it. There are those filmgoers out there who still appreciate a good film in its purest form.

If you come to this looking for a comedy, you'll be badly disappointed. I'm not sure how this can be classified as comedy at all - there were some vaguely humorous exchanges, and some moments of mirth worthy of a wry grin (mainly from the young lead actor), but nothing bordering on comedy.

However, if you come looking for a feelgood, generally light movie suitable for the whole family (teens and up), complete with enough moments of drama to keep it interesting, you will be satisfied. Not over the top delirious, but happy that your time and money wasn't wasted.

Every dad (ok, all of us) has flaws. Sometimes kids, help us see our flaws, and make us want to do better. This movie isn't a blockbuster movie with all sorts of action, but well worth the 102 minutes. It held my interest throughout the entire movie. Pretty decent acting from Jaeden Martell, who plays Anthony.

It's no accident that about a third of the way through the movie, Clive Owen and Jaeden Lieberher, as father and son in The Confirmation are watching an old episode of The Rifleman - the quintessential TV western that was more about a father relating to his son in difficult and dire situations than it was about his gun.

Clive Owen plays a divorced, alcoholic father who sees his son Jaeden Lieberher on weekends. One particular weekend, the father has his woodworking tools stolen. These are specialized carpentry tools that are irreplaceable. The son accompanies his dad on a series of misadventures in an attempt to recover the lost tools, which he must have for an upcoming job that he desperately needs.

While a comparison can be made to the classic The Bicycle Thief, this movie stands on its own merits as an endearing case study of a boy's love for his father, willing to do whatever it takes to keep him on the straight and narrow path, and enabling both parent and child to rise to the occasion and succeed.

This is a wonderful role for Owen and it is beautifully played. While Lieberher's character may seem a bit more precocious than would be expected of such a young boy, it does not come off as unbelievable.

This is a movie the whole family can enjoy, all the more so because of its timeless themes of suffering and redemption, and not portraying fathers as the likely losers you so often see in Hollywood these days.

Clive Owen plays the part of an alcohol addicted father, who is strugling to get by, being unemployed. Being divorced he only gets to see his young son during the weekend, in which they bond through a number of unforeseen events.

Endearing portrait of family life with divorced parents. Great acting. Slowburning, mellow mood. Suited for young and old.