In America is a lovely family melodrama with humor, sweetness and sorrow. This film also delivers a wonderful positive and hopeful message. It avoids being overly vulgar or shocking for it's own sake and is that rare bird today, an intelligent family film. Disney wishes they could produce work of such substance. Director Jim Sheridan's vision of Irish immigrants in Hell's Kitchen is fresh, original and avoids the easily drawn New York stereotypes all too often trotted out in other films. Once again, Samantha Morton is luminous, Djimon Hounsou is reliably intense and the two beautiful girls are the touching, vibrant heart of the film. Portrayal of loving family life is no small task in today's cynical world, but this film genuinely succeeds. Sheridan's brief homage to John Ford is an easy reminder that were he alive and working today In America is the kind of film Pappy might make.
Review of In America
