Dad's in Heaven with Nixon

Have you ever seen a family's home movies from the 1920's? You know, the kind they drag out of the dusty basement, and then you end up thinking it probably wasn't worth the bother? Well, if you go into this movie thinking expecting that kind of "moldy oldie" experience, then you won't be disappointed. Even though this documentary resembles those old home movies in many ways, it's not that bad. There are many ways in which it's quite a bit better.

For one thing, it's realistic enough and detailed enough to provoke interesting discussions from viewers afterward -- discussions about family, wealth, and making the most of life.

For another, it's about the life of an unusual artist. It's about a man who successfully overcomes the kinds of mental challenges which often lead to someone being institutionalized.

And the artist, who's more or less the focus of the movie, is a sweet, innocent, and positive person. And nobody else in the movie is bad, either. It's certainly not one of those movies where none of the characters are likable.

But it really is like sitting through some old family movies. We almost didn't finish watching it. If you make it to the halfway point, it does improve a little after that.