Jules

The movie is almost an Eight Star Movie, forget the trailer and see the movie. It is about what it is like to be getting older and not always being taken seriously and the alien is just a vehicle to tell that story.

I really didn't think I would like it but my partner wanted to see it and I was really glad that we saw it together. Ben Kingsley is , as always focused and believable what ever character he is playing and the the supporting cast are stand up as well. I was truly moved and touched by the story being told and that's the thing; the movie is so well conceived and executed that is does not disappoint. I was, most definitely, pleasantly surprised by how good this movie is, very entertaining.

It had subtle humor and I loved it. For some reason it was just me and a bunch of seemingly 40+ year old men in the theatre and were all just commentating which made me enjoy the movie a little more. It was a minimalist movie, especially as far as sci-fi movies go. I called Prospect a minimalist sci-fi but this made me feel like I mischaracterized it. It felt like a mature little version of the 2011 movie, Paul, which I haven't seen in years now.

It also feels a little lovely to see elderly people get their own movie in the genre(if there was one or more made already, I haven't seen them). Also Harriet Sansom Harris kept reminding me of Aunt Lydia from Handmaid's Tale and I couldn't unsee it. I also loved the irony of Milton stressing over his flowers and not the alien visitor, added a little charm to a character that was already a gem.

It, of course, still is a fiction movie but it was very realistic in regard to the story; capturing believable human behavior and reactions to the events that unfolded. It's paced pretty slow but I was still pretty fun, it's an unexpected gem of a movie. One thing that surprised me is it didn't feel like a sci-fi movie as well, you don't have to like the genre to enjoy this.

Jules looked like your typical alien being, bald, short with a big head and weird eyes, although not so green. Jules raising his hands in toddler-like gesture was soo cute and adorable too. It's a more touching film that I expected. It didn't end the way I expected, or atleast initially, there were probably two points at which the movie could've ended, but it didn't feel like a drag. It's not a movie for everyone, it's pretty simple and minimalistic. Opting for a more toned down vibe without grand climaxes, but despite that, I genuinely enjoyed its unassuming charm.

That is, it is calming, gently soothing, and leaves no bitter aftertaste. Only counted one swear word, zero fist fights, and a kind of 10mph car chase. Any violence is reserved for a deserved burglar. Yes it cooky, and the plot meanders along at a slow pace, helped by the capable actors not attempting to milk their performances. There are a few chuckles, and the occassional laugh out loud moment, along with the unexpected plot twists that require belief suspension to be engaged.

No Saturday night blockbuster this. Rather more suited to a Sunday evening viewing with a cup of cocoa, then off to bed.

Jules has a rather quirky yet simple plot, and it doesn't overstay its welcome in any way. The protagonist trio (played by Ben Kingsley, Harriet Harris, and Jane Curtin) share good chemistry and are fun to watch, as septuagenarians dealing with an unexpected guest. As old people, they're dealing with different kinds of things - ailments, emotional disconnect from their kids, and lacking a purpose.

The arrival of the alien proves to be a game-changer for each of them, especially Milton (Kingsley), who's suffering from increased instances of memory loss. As someone, who sits at home watching CSI re-runs all day, he suddenly feels like he has something remarkable to do. The ladies, Sandy and Joyce, enter the picture as allies, and the alien (named the titular Jules) turns out to be a friendly listener for all their troubles. They also want to help him out in his quest to repair his broken spaceship. This leads to interesting exchanges and wacky situations, all the while retaining the film's heartwarming emotional core.

The government surveillance angle was tackled poorly, and the CGI was really off in places, but the performances and the plot's irresisistible sweetness overcome most of it. The ending (and the change of mind for Milton) is somewhat sudden, and doesn't feel as impactful, but the scenes where the trio interact with the alien in the film's mid section made me smile a lot. I liked Marc Turtletaub's Puzzle with Irrfan Khan & Kelly Macdonald, and I guess I enjoyed this one a wee bit more.

The science fiction part of this movie is strictly background to a story about three elderly, single people in a small US town. The story was particularly relevant in that I just turned 70 and am starting to be faced with similar challenges to Ben Kingsley´s character. As we are all are as we age.

The crash of an alien space ship in his garden leaves the 78 year old confused more than frightened, 911 are not interested and when he mentions the event at a local council meeting they ignore him.

The alien is a friendly little guy who watches TV with protagonist and eats apples. Of course, the government is looking to locate the space ship but that again is background. The story is about an aging man and couple of aging ladies who find develop a friendship through the need to protect and care for the alien.

A very enjoyable little movie with convincing acting.