Needs Answered

This time: Host & Guest, Our America, and Farewell to Harry.

Host & Guest
Directed by Shin Dong-Il, starring Kim Jae-rok and Kang Ji-Hwan.

Ho-jun (Kim) is an out-of-work film professor who is barely holding the last shreds of his life together. Having been left by his wife and son, Ho-jun is adjusting to life in his new world, a world that seemingly has it in for him. From his inability to interact with others, to his unending frustrations with his new apartment, Ho-jun's life is less than ideal. Along his downward spiral into self-pity, Ho-jun meets Gye-sang (Kang), a lonely man pushing the "Words of Truth". The two soon become friends, and save one another through their friendship.

Shin's tale of loneliness charms with it's simplicity. Both lead actors handle the drama and dry comedic elements of the film well. As an entertaining film about the power of friendship, Host & Guest manages to affect. A great, touching film, that is definitely worth a look.

Our America
Directed by Ernet R. Dickerson, starring Josh Charles, Roderick Pannell, and Brandon Hammond.

Based on a true story, Our America is a telefilm about two young men living in the ghetto, and their attempt to make it a better place. Like the NPR program it was based on, Our America is engaging and thought provoking. With great performances from the leads, this is a well produced docu-drama that highlights the determination of a few good people and their decision to do the right thing to better a community.

Farewell to Harry
Directed by Garrett Bennett, starring Joe Flanigan and William Hall, Jr.

A young writer moves back to his hometown to find the inspiration he needs to write "The Great American Novel". Once back home, he befriends an old drunk whose story is as good as the ones he tells. As the two men look for what is missing in their respective lives, they discover the importance of friendship.

Farewell to Harry possesses oodles of charm rolled up into an endearing tale of friendship. Though it is a touching story, Farewell to Harry isn't just dramatic. The friendship of the characters allows for plenty of laughs from Flanigan and Hall, Jr., who give terrific performances and share good onscreen chemistry, lending an air of honesty to the proceedings. While it may be a mushy film that leaves one feeling like giving a hug to a friend, the fact that it makes a person feel, makes Farewell to Harry a good film.