Wild About Harry is a 2009 movie directed by Gwen Wynne and produced by Just Chill Here Productions. It tells the story of a man who is forced to reconnect with his past after he is given custody of his niece. The film stars Tate Donovan, Adam Pascal, Danielle Savre, Skye McCole Bartusiak, Josh Peck, Corey Sevier, Susan Anspach, James Sikking, and Anne Ramsay.
Tate Donovan plays Harry, a successful New York businessman who is focused on his career and has little interest in anything else. However, when his sister dies in a car crash, Harry is forced to take custody of her teenage daughter, Amanda (played by Danielle Savre). Amanda is a troubled young woman who is struggling to deal with her mother's death, and Harry has no idea how to handle her.
As Harry tries to figure out how to be a parent, he receives unexpected help from his old friend, Flint (played by Adam Pascal). Flint is a musician who has been living off the grid in the woods, and he agrees to help Harry take care of Amanda. Flint is a free spirit who teaches Amanda how to play guitar and encourages her to pursue her dreams, much to Harry's chagrin.
As Harry gets to know Flint better, he begins to question his own priorities in life. He realizes that he has been too focused on work and has missed out on important relationships, such as his friendship with Flint. Harry also struggles with Amanda's rebellious behavior and tries to balance being a stern parent with being a supportive uncle.
Meanwhile, Amanda develops feelings for a local boy named Jake (played by Corey Sevier), which causes even more strife between her and Harry. Harry is overprotective of Amanda and doesn't want her to make the same mistakes he made when he was her age.
The movie explores themes of family, growing up, and the importance of following your dreams. It's a heartwarming story that shows how people can change and grow when they are forced out of their comfort zone.
The performances in the movie are all top-notch, with Tate Donovan delivering an excellent performance as Harry. He captures the character's reluctance to be a parent and his struggle to connect with Amanda. Adam Pascal is also great as Flint, bringing a sense of humor and charisma to the role.
Danielle Savre is impressive as Amanda, playing the part with a lot of depth and emotion. Her scenes with Flint are particularly touching and showcase the chemistry between the two actors.
The supporting cast is also strong, with Skye McCole Bartusiak giving a standout performance as Amanda's rebellious friend. Josh Peck and Anne Ramsay also provide solid performances as Harry's coworkers.
The direction by Gwen Wynne is understated, allowing the performances and the story to take center stage. The film's cinematography is beautiful, making excellent use of the wooded setting to create a sense of isolation and serenity.
Overall, Wild About Harry is a touching and well-crafted movie that explores the complexities of family relationships. It's a movie that will leave you feeling uplifted and grateful for the people in your life. If you're looking for a heartwarming film with great performances and beautiful scenery, then Wild About Harry is definitely worth checking out.
Wild About Harry is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.
