The new rodramacom (just made that word up, don't try and
steal it) from writer director Max Mayer is a heartwarming film that you will
probably miss. The title alone, Adam, is simplistic and carries no intrigue or
impending doom to the planet. The movie poster offers up very little as we see
a guy and a girl sitting calmly on a set of steps. They aren't wearing cool
clothes, space helmets, Tommy Guns nor do they have the look of the Hollywood hunk and hunktress. So many will pass it by I
am sure. But to do so will be to miss a movie full of charm, humor and depths
of emotion.
Adam (Hugh Dancy) is a young man living alone after his
fathers passing. He has a failing job, only a few friends and a fascination
with space. He is very lonely until he meets the girl upstairs, Beth (Rose
Byrne). Beth is also going through some issues in her life that are causing
stress and a need for someone to come alongside her. She thinks Adam could be
that guy. The problem is that Adam suffers from Asperger's Syndrome. Closely related
to autism people with it show difficulties mainly with social interaction. In
essence Adam can not distinguish Beth's emotions and therefore has a hard time
recognizing her needs. Theirs becomes a quirky relationship that shows we all
have to overlook a little strangeness in order help one another.
This movie could easily have been called Beth as we see her
character go through as much as Adam's. This gives the film a broad stroke and
allows us to see both sides of their story and how each plays into the others
life. Though it has a heavy storyline the film is relatively light and at times
quite humorous. I think we can all relate to Adam's awkwardness in certain
circumstances. His response to those around him are often hilarious and you
find yourself not making fun of a man with Aspergers but instead finding
sincere humor in the circumstances. I am quite certain in my twenty year
marriage my wife has often wondered if I do not suffer from the same syndrome
since I am rarely able to distinguish her emotional needs. Can I get an "amen"
from the wives club? Thank you.
Adam is rated PG-13 for thematic material, sexual content
and language. This is a safe film for your 12 and up crowd though more suited
entertainment for those older movie watchers due to the drama of relationships
and theme. This is another of those movies that I am worried will get lost in
the barrage of blockbuster summer explosions. It has solid acting, a well
written script and characters that are engaging and likeable. That all adds up
to good genre filmmaking. I give it 3.75 out of 5 awkward pauses. So don't skim
over the listing too quickly but give this one a shot next time you are in the
mood for a great date movie. So says Matt Mungle
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