Susan Granger’s review of “Jules” (Bleecker Street Media)
Oscar-winner Ben Kingsley (“Gandhi”) stars in the comedic drama “Jules,” which might also be called ‘Close Encounters of the Lonely Kind’ or ‘Cocoon’ revisited.
In the quiet western Pennsylvania town of Booton, not much happens until a UFO lands in the suburban backyard belonging to 78 year-old widower Milton (Kingsley), crushing his carefully-tended azalea bushes.
When befuddled Milton calls 911 to report his distress, his complaint is summarily dismissed, as are his ‘suggestions’ at the weekly meetings of the City Council.
So when Milton spies an injured extraterrestrial (Jade Quon) sprawled on his back steps, he gently covers him with a blanket. Later, seeing the little creature cuddled up in the cold, he empathetically offers him food and invites him to come inside.
Milton’s daughter Denise (Zoe Winters), a veterinarian, has been worried about what she perceives as her father’s cognitive decline ever since she found a can of green beans in his bathroom medicine cabinet.
So when Milton talks about having an alien staying at his home, no one takes him seriously – even when he repeatedly goes to the supermarket to buy apples, the only food his houseguest will consume.
Except jovial Sandy (Harriet Sansom Harris), who appears on Milton’s doorstep, wondering what’s really happening. When she meets Jules – the name Milton’s given to the little fellow who doesn’t speak a word – she feels she’s found a kindred spirit, as does snooping Joyce (Jane Curtin), who prefers to call him Gary.
Meanwhile, attentive, ethereal Jules is trying to fix his damaged spacecraft while giving cryptic drawings of cats to his kindly benefactors.
Superbly directed by Marc Turtletaub from quirky, captivating script by Gavin Steckler, it’s an absolute gem. What a delight to watch seasoned actors, including professional stunt performer Quon, bring this gently touching sci-fi fantasy to life – with a poignant score by Volker Bertelmann (Oscar-winner for “All Quiet on the Western Front”).
On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “Jules” is a sweet, insightful 7 – a refreshing, ultimately uplifting summer treat, aimed for seniors, playing in theaters.
