"I don't know what kind of trouble he can get in in a day." Anthony (Lieberher) is 8 years old and is about to be confirmed in the Catholic Church. He has a hard time thinking of a time he sinned and lives life without conflict at all. When his mother and step-dad go on a retreat he isn't excited about spending the weekend with his alcoholic dad Walt (Owen). What starts off as a typical weekend with him slowly changes into 2 days that change the lives of both of them. This is just a great movie. This has everything I want in one. Great acting, a great story and nothing too over the top or unbelievable but touching and heartfelt regardless. It was just a pleasure to watch the interaction between the father and son and how, without overtly trying, they help each other to become better people. This is a very good family movie and is one that you can watch and enjoy with everyone. Every once in a while a movie comes along that needs to be talked up in order to get the audience it deserves. This is one of those movies. If I had to chose between the new Marvel movie and this one I would choose this one hands down. What you lose in effects and action you make up for in acting and story. To me that is more important. Overall, a movie I highly recommend and the best family movie since Little Boy. I easily give this a A.
47 Reviews
Carpenter father, struggling alcoholism and unemployment, bonds with his young son. Endearing family portrait. Great acting.
imseeg27 June 2019
Clive Owen plays the part of an alcohol addicted father, who is strugling to get by, being unemployed. Being divorced he only gets to see his young son during the weekend, in which they bond through a number of unforeseen events.
Endearing portrait of family life with divorced parents. Great acting. Slowburning, mellow mood. Suited for young and old.
Endearing portrait of family life with divorced parents. Great acting. Slowburning, mellow mood. Suited for young and old.
Coming-of-age: A boy's real world encounter.
Reno-Rangan4 September 2016
For the first time direction, it is not a bad film. The 'Nebraska' writer did his best and I'm totally surprised how this little Canadian gem was not recognised extensively. In fact, it is one of the best films of the year among the PG13 ratings. A drama about a divorced freelance carpenter who babysits his son on a weekend, adventuring the city while preparing for his work on the Monday. When someone stole his tools, they both go after to look who took it and that takes the whole film to cover with some other small events on the side.
Truly a heartwarming drama. You can compare it to films like 'The Pursuit of Happiness', but it had its own way dealing with the story contents. This is not a comedy, but slightly it is fun, as well as inspiring. It narrates the world is full of good and bad, and how we react to them accordingly. Particularly the main character who was desperate to come out of the bad day and to have some quality time with his son. It actually stayed neutral on the topics like theism and atheism, which has some influence in the narration, but revolved carefully around the social and other issues. So that makes there are more things to care about than fighting for nonsenses. That was really a good thing to focus on, maybe that's why I loved it.
The opening and the end take place in the same location, but the difference was the 24 hours and its events. During that time, a boy who was struggling between what his mother believes and his doubts over those beliefs were somewhat influenced to clear his mind. I mean it was not intentional, the film to explain us through the boy, but they were described in the way of someone's daily life base, except it was not an ordinary day for him/them. It was a quite interesting take, and in the current world scenario, this is a wonderful theme for a film which also has high entertainment value.
"Well, I don't know what kind of trouble he can get in in a day."
I don't know the Christian commandment (or any religious's equivalent) that referred in it, especially the meaning of the title, but according to the writer, he wanted to tell what happens if a good behaving young boy breaks all the rule in just one day. Besides, a bit of his own life experience, as well as the outline was inspired by 'Bicycle Thieves'. I don't know how the religious people take it, but I enjoyed it, kind of it is an awareness theme about the reality of the human world. So my disappointment is not the film, but how it was received. Once again an English film from the other region was turned down by the Americans. I hope the rest of the world won't react same way.
It revolved between a father and son characters, so the side contributions were good, but does not require any praise. The Clive Owen, who I consider an ordinary actor was brilliant in this. He is not in any film franchise, especially the current trends superheroes and/or sci-fi, though happy to see him in such a beautiful one-off film. The boy was equally good, especially after the good show from 'St. Vincent', this is his another great character display. Looks like he's going to be a big name in the future.
You can't believe it is just a 2 million dollar film. Great production quality with good performances, a better outcome than usual film with the same production value. From my perspective, it is an underrated film and also an undernoticed film. A fine film for everyone, particularly for the family audience. These are reasons why children as well should watch it, like there are no sexual or drug related material in it. Though the real reason is there are some contents that might help them to understand about such as financially struggling and sober parents, the reality of the society and as a coming-of-age film, it always kept its priorities on the top while narrating the tale, especially from the children's viewpoint.
8/10
Truly a heartwarming drama. You can compare it to films like 'The Pursuit of Happiness', but it had its own way dealing with the story contents. This is not a comedy, but slightly it is fun, as well as inspiring. It narrates the world is full of good and bad, and how we react to them accordingly. Particularly the main character who was desperate to come out of the bad day and to have some quality time with his son. It actually stayed neutral on the topics like theism and atheism, which has some influence in the narration, but revolved carefully around the social and other issues. So that makes there are more things to care about than fighting for nonsenses. That was really a good thing to focus on, maybe that's why I loved it.
The opening and the end take place in the same location, but the difference was the 24 hours and its events. During that time, a boy who was struggling between what his mother believes and his doubts over those beliefs were somewhat influenced to clear his mind. I mean it was not intentional, the film to explain us through the boy, but they were described in the way of someone's daily life base, except it was not an ordinary day for him/them. It was a quite interesting take, and in the current world scenario, this is a wonderful theme for a film which also has high entertainment value.
"Well, I don't know what kind of trouble he can get in in a day."
I don't know the Christian commandment (or any religious's equivalent) that referred in it, especially the meaning of the title, but according to the writer, he wanted to tell what happens if a good behaving young boy breaks all the rule in just one day. Besides, a bit of his own life experience, as well as the outline was inspired by 'Bicycle Thieves'. I don't know how the religious people take it, but I enjoyed it, kind of it is an awareness theme about the reality of the human world. So my disappointment is not the film, but how it was received. Once again an English film from the other region was turned down by the Americans. I hope the rest of the world won't react same way.
It revolved between a father and son characters, so the side contributions were good, but does not require any praise. The Clive Owen, who I consider an ordinary actor was brilliant in this. He is not in any film franchise, especially the current trends superheroes and/or sci-fi, though happy to see him in such a beautiful one-off film. The boy was equally good, especially after the good show from 'St. Vincent', this is his another great character display. Looks like he's going to be a big name in the future.
You can't believe it is just a 2 million dollar film. Great production quality with good performances, a better outcome than usual film with the same production value. From my perspective, it is an underrated film and also an undernoticed film. A fine film for everyone, particularly for the family audience. These are reasons why children as well should watch it, like there are no sexual or drug related material in it. Though the real reason is there are some contents that might help them to understand about such as financially struggling and sober parents, the reality of the society and as a coming-of-age film, it always kept its priorities on the top while narrating the tale, especially from the children's viewpoint.
8/10
a young boy learns more about human values in a weekend than many learn in a lifetime
CineMuseFilms2 October 2016
At one level The Confirmation (2016) is a simple and endearing story of a young boy spending a weekend bonding with his recovering-alcoholic father. However, the Catholic ritual in the film's title and the church confessionals that bookend the film suggest more serious themes. Although labelled a comedy, the story is really a dramatic portrait of the growing distance between traditional notions of morality and the ethical relativities of today's post-GFC world.
Eight year-old Anthony (Jaeden Lieberher) has not spent much time with his father Walt (Clive Owen) since the divorce, and when mum has a weekend away with her new husband it is a rare chance for father and son to bond. Walt has a lot of issues, including alcohol, unemployment, a foreclosed mortgage and a broken down truck, so the weekend does not look promising for Anthony whose confirmation is only a week away. When thieves steal Walt's specialised hand- made carpenter tools, the pair spend the weekend tracking them down and in the process get to know each other. It is an emotional journey through neighborhoods that have hit hard times and where even thieves are pitiable and forgiven. There are several near-encounters with real danger and scenes of conventional comedy where many conservative parental boundaries are ignored. Through it all, it is a story about an irresponsible loser whose life is being turned around through the emerging relationship with his over-responsible son.
The film starts with an impatient priest urging an innocent child to confess his sins and ends with him amazed at just how many sins can be committed in such a short time. In between, of course, Anthony had a coming of age journey in the real-world. Some may think the narrative unoriginal and the adult-child inversion a predictable cliché. But it does not look or feel like that. It is a heart- warming and tightly scripted two-hander with everything anchored by excellent acting performances that balance emotional insight with a well-paced plot line. Owen plays an unstable but good man, and his performance is pitched at just the right level to be both convincing and likable. However, the real star is Lieberher who authentically plays wise-beyond-his-age innocence and growing understanding of his father. Their synergy together is delightful. The moral of the story is that what priests expect and life delivers are vastly different, and young Anthony has learnt more about human values in a weekend than many learn in a lifetime.
Eight year-old Anthony (Jaeden Lieberher) has not spent much time with his father Walt (Clive Owen) since the divorce, and when mum has a weekend away with her new husband it is a rare chance for father and son to bond. Walt has a lot of issues, including alcohol, unemployment, a foreclosed mortgage and a broken down truck, so the weekend does not look promising for Anthony whose confirmation is only a week away. When thieves steal Walt's specialised hand- made carpenter tools, the pair spend the weekend tracking them down and in the process get to know each other. It is an emotional journey through neighborhoods that have hit hard times and where even thieves are pitiable and forgiven. There are several near-encounters with real danger and scenes of conventional comedy where many conservative parental boundaries are ignored. Through it all, it is a story about an irresponsible loser whose life is being turned around through the emerging relationship with his over-responsible son.
The film starts with an impatient priest urging an innocent child to confess his sins and ends with him amazed at just how many sins can be committed in such a short time. In between, of course, Anthony had a coming of age journey in the real-world. Some may think the narrative unoriginal and the adult-child inversion a predictable cliché. But it does not look or feel like that. It is a heart- warming and tightly scripted two-hander with everything anchored by excellent acting performances that balance emotional insight with a well-paced plot line. Owen plays an unstable but good man, and his performance is pitched at just the right level to be both convincing and likable. However, the real star is Lieberher who authentically plays wise-beyond-his-age innocence and growing understanding of his father. Their synergy together is delightful. The moral of the story is that what priests expect and life delivers are vastly different, and young Anthony has learnt more about human values in a weekend than many learn in a lifetime.
Confirming the Value of The Confirmation
SteveMierzejewski3 June 2016
This is one film where the synopsis does not do the film justice. If I had only read that, I doubt if I would have watched the film at all. Even though the summary is correct, it fails to elucidate the subtleties in the plot and the fine acting that underpins the storyline.
First of all, I hate films that feature kids. The kids are all stereotyped in most films. Either they are too cute or too cynical, spoiled, and arrogant to be compelling. You can be sure that 1) they will be the one that cause the problems or 2) they will be transformed into 'good kids' by the end of the film.
Jaeden Lieberher, who plays the main kid role, is believable. Clive Owen, who I think is often underrated as an actor, does his usual solid performance as a recovering alcoholic-father. But it is the supporting actors who bring this slice-of-life drama to perfection. The emotional fine points in the plot could not have come through without them.
After watching it myself, I decided to watch the film with my 13-year-old son. Normally, he likes the action movie, super hero, special effects-laden films, so this was a bit of a transition. The verdict? He could associate with a lot of the interactions that went on in the film from a kid's point of view and enjoyed watching it. Adults will like it for the insights into adult relationships.
It will not be for everyone. I would guess most kids will be waiting for the next exploding car or 15 minute fight scene, which will never happen, just as they never happen so frequently in real life.
I know this film will pass largely unnoticed, which is why I felt obliged to write a review of it. There are those filmgoers out there who still appreciate a good film in its purest form.
First of all, I hate films that feature kids. The kids are all stereotyped in most films. Either they are too cute or too cynical, spoiled, and arrogant to be compelling. You can be sure that 1) they will be the one that cause the problems or 2) they will be transformed into 'good kids' by the end of the film.
Jaeden Lieberher, who plays the main kid role, is believable. Clive Owen, who I think is often underrated as an actor, does his usual solid performance as a recovering alcoholic-father. But it is the supporting actors who bring this slice-of-life drama to perfection. The emotional fine points in the plot could not have come through without them.
After watching it myself, I decided to watch the film with my 13-year-old son. Normally, he likes the action movie, super hero, special effects-laden films, so this was a bit of a transition. The verdict? He could associate with a lot of the interactions that went on in the film from a kid's point of view and enjoyed watching it. Adults will like it for the insights into adult relationships.
It will not be for everyone. I would guess most kids will be waiting for the next exploding car or 15 minute fight scene, which will never happen, just as they never happen so frequently in real life.
I know this film will pass largely unnoticed, which is why I felt obliged to write a review of it. There are those filmgoers out there who still appreciate a good film in its purest form.
Excellent film - such a good work of art
RussHog10 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This is a beautiful little art house film about an alcoholic father who has his son for a weekend - and they bond of a series of misadventures were they work as a team to get back the father's box of stolen tools.
The father is played by the masterful Clive Owen - who is seemingly solid in any project he works on.
The film has one great scene in particular - where Clive experiences alcohol withdrawals. As a recovering alcoholic myself - who has been clean five years - I have gone through withdrawals - and it is a harrowing experience and to see this played out live - and the fear it puts the child through - it really hit home to me.
The performance of the children actors in this movie is also noteworthy - as they hold their own and deliver some masterful work.
I believe this was a remake of a foreign film called The Bike Thief - but I have never seen that movie and I just thought this one was solid.
We live in a world where Hollywood makes a fortune off terrible films that have no soul - and it is always great to see a solid dramatic film with great characters.
The father is played by the masterful Clive Owen - who is seemingly solid in any project he works on.
The film has one great scene in particular - where Clive experiences alcohol withdrawals. As a recovering alcoholic myself - who has been clean five years - I have gone through withdrawals - and it is a harrowing experience and to see this played out live - and the fear it puts the child through - it really hit home to me.
The performance of the children actors in this movie is also noteworthy - as they hold their own and deliver some masterful work.
I believe this was a remake of a foreign film called The Bike Thief - but I have never seen that movie and I just thought this one was solid.
We live in a world where Hollywood makes a fortune off terrible films that have no soul - and it is always great to see a solid dramatic film with great characters.
Go see The Confirmation
yusufpiskin3 November 2019
The Confirmation written and directed by Bob Nelson (the man who also wrote the Alexander Payne film Nebraska) is better at talking about faith and spirituality in its 100 mins of screen time than any so called "Christian" or "new-faith" film that has come out in the last ten years. The empathy shown for many of the side characters is remarkable and just goes to show how good of a dramatist Bob Nelson is. Take that God's Not Dead, the least empathetic film from a Christian perspective I've ever seen. It wishes it was half as good as The Confirmation. If only Christian filmmakers would get the dollar signs out their eyes. Sorry for the mini rant. Go see The Confirmation, not a perfect film, but one that earns it's happy resolutions and lessons learned through great story telling, acting, and direction.
Lack of Tension is Seductive
dansview18 August 2016
The film makers chose not to feature the intense desperation of the Italian film The Bicycle Thief, used zero profanity, and a deadpan kid. Those may actually be reasons why some would dislike this film, but I found it all oddly seductive.
Like another reviewer mentioned, nobody was vicious or truly mean here. Almost everyone, despite their poverty, had soul. Imagine a world where even in a gray desperate setting, people restrain themselves from the savagery that such places evoke in the real world.
Some may ask why you need to cast a British guy in a film set in Washington and filmed in Canada. But I found Owen endearing and the dialogue he was given sublime. Someone decided that his face and demeanor fit the character, and I believe they did. Good call.
Most of the "stars" are not really stars, and I appreciated seeing them get some work. Robert Forster is perfect for these roles, and Maria Bello totally looked the part.
I don't know why they needed to make the boy be eight years old. The actor was way older than that. Clearly an eight year old would not be able to think or act as this one did. They should have made him 10, although the actor was 12. The unbelievable age thing was an awkward glitch for me.
I'm glad they didn't use a soundtrack. The silence helped illustrate the depressed nature of the town. I've been to a depressed town in Washington. It's real.
For whatever reasons, these film makers made the choice to present this story in a sort of Jim Jarmusch existentially absurd way. I liked that approach and did not judge it by other potential ways of doing it. I accepted it for what it was.
Like another reviewer mentioned, nobody was vicious or truly mean here. Almost everyone, despite their poverty, had soul. Imagine a world where even in a gray desperate setting, people restrain themselves from the savagery that such places evoke in the real world.
Some may ask why you need to cast a British guy in a film set in Washington and filmed in Canada. But I found Owen endearing and the dialogue he was given sublime. Someone decided that his face and demeanor fit the character, and I believe they did. Good call.
Most of the "stars" are not really stars, and I appreciated seeing them get some work. Robert Forster is perfect for these roles, and Maria Bello totally looked the part.
I don't know why they needed to make the boy be eight years old. The actor was way older than that. Clearly an eight year old would not be able to think or act as this one did. They should have made him 10, although the actor was 12. The unbelievable age thing was an awkward glitch for me.
I'm glad they didn't use a soundtrack. The silence helped illustrate the depressed nature of the town. I've been to a depressed town in Washington. It's real.
For whatever reasons, these film makers made the choice to present this story in a sort of Jim Jarmusch existentially absurd way. I liked that approach and did not judge it by other potential ways of doing it. I accepted it for what it was.
Bob Nelson directs
sjanders-8643020 March 2021
Clive Owen is spending the weekend with Jaedell Martell, his son. Martell is in the confessional at the start with nothing to confess. At the end of the weekend Martell had a list of things to confess. Owen and Martell make this a great watch. There is never a dull moment as father and son really get to know each other. Maria Bello and Mathew Modine come back to find a happy pair. This is a feel good movie with a punch or two. The characters are very authentic and very pleasing to view.
Father and Son relationship at its best
rj-272 September 2016
It's no accident that about a third of the way through the movie, Clive Owen and Jaeden Lieberher, as father and son in The Confirmation are watching an old episode of The Rifleman - the quintessential TV western that was more about a father relating to his son in difficult and dire situations than it was about his gun.
Clive Owen plays a divorced, alcoholic father who sees his son Jaeden Lieberher on weekends. One particular weekend, the father has his woodworking tools stolen. These are specialized carpentry tools that are irreplaceable. The son accompanies his dad on a series of misadventures in an attempt to recover the lost tools, which he must have for an upcoming job that he desperately needs.
While a comparison can be made to the classic The Bicycle Thief, this movie stands on its own merits as an endearing case study of a boy's love for his father, willing to do whatever it takes to keep him on the straight and narrow path, and enabling both parent and child to rise to the occasion and succeed.
This is a wonderful role for Owen and it is beautifully played. While Lieberher's character may seem a bit more precocious than would be expected of such a young boy, it does not come off as unbelievable.
This is a movie the whole family can enjoy, all the more so because of its timeless themes of suffering and redemption, and not portraying fathers as the likely losers you so often see in Hollywood these days.
Clive Owen plays a divorced, alcoholic father who sees his son Jaeden Lieberher on weekends. One particular weekend, the father has his woodworking tools stolen. These are specialized carpentry tools that are irreplaceable. The son accompanies his dad on a series of misadventures in an attempt to recover the lost tools, which he must have for an upcoming job that he desperately needs.
While a comparison can be made to the classic The Bicycle Thief, this movie stands on its own merits as an endearing case study of a boy's love for his father, willing to do whatever it takes to keep him on the straight and narrow path, and enabling both parent and child to rise to the occasion and succeed.
This is a wonderful role for Owen and it is beautifully played. While Lieberher's character may seem a bit more precocious than would be expected of such a young boy, it does not come off as unbelievable.
This is a movie the whole family can enjoy, all the more so because of its timeless themes of suffering and redemption, and not portraying fathers as the likely losers you so often see in Hollywood these days.
Clive Owen is Outstanding in Thoughtful Character Study
lavatch24 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The strength of "The Confirmation" is the sensitive portrayal of an alcoholic father, as played by Clive Owen. Owen's character Walt has visitation rights with his son, Anthony, and the film traces a wild weekend of "bonding" between father and son.
The film is primarily a drama, but it includes comic moments, especially in the cast of seedy characters. Anthony is the little boy who plays the role of caretaker for his beleaguered dad. There is a fine supporting cast with Maria Bello, Matthew Modine, and Robert Forster. But the focal point is that of Owen's character and his youngster, played effectively by Jaeden Lieberher.
SPOILER ALERT FOLLOWS: The one curious choice on the part of the filmmakers was to close the film with the theft of the father's tools from a pawn shop. While the film was attempting to pay homage to Vittorio De Sica's famous film "Bicycle Thieves" from 1948, the final sequence didn't work. Unfortunately, the theft of the tools was teaching a horrible lesson to the young boys, and it made no sense in the logic of the film. Surely the owners of the pawn shop would have had Owen's character and the boys prosecuted.
"The Confirmation" is set in Kent, Washington. There was good footage of the community, which helped to draw the viewer into the film. One of the subtleties of the film was to convey the hardscrabble life of Americans in the twenty-first century. In watching this film, one was almost reminded of America in the Great Depression of the 1930s.
The film is primarily a drama, but it includes comic moments, especially in the cast of seedy characters. Anthony is the little boy who plays the role of caretaker for his beleaguered dad. There is a fine supporting cast with Maria Bello, Matthew Modine, and Robert Forster. But the focal point is that of Owen's character and his youngster, played effectively by Jaeden Lieberher.
SPOILER ALERT FOLLOWS: The one curious choice on the part of the filmmakers was to close the film with the theft of the father's tools from a pawn shop. While the film was attempting to pay homage to Vittorio De Sica's famous film "Bicycle Thieves" from 1948, the final sequence didn't work. Unfortunately, the theft of the tools was teaching a horrible lesson to the young boys, and it made no sense in the logic of the film. Surely the owners of the pawn shop would have had Owen's character and the boys prosecuted.
"The Confirmation" is set in Kent, Washington. There was good footage of the community, which helped to draw the viewer into the film. One of the subtleties of the film was to convey the hardscrabble life of Americans in the twenty-first century. In watching this film, one was almost reminded of America in the Great Depression of the 1930s.
OK movie, but not comedy
williamsd-818 June 2016
If you come to this looking for a comedy, you'll be badly disappointed. I'm not sure how this can be classified as comedy at all - there were some vaguely humorous exchanges, and some moments of mirth worthy of a wry grin (mainly from the young lead actor), but nothing bordering on comedy.
However, if you come looking for a feelgood, generally light movie suitable for the whole family (teens and up), complete with enough moments of drama to keep it interesting, you will be satisfied. Not over the top delirious, but happy that your time and money wasn't wasted.
However, if you come looking for a feelgood, generally light movie suitable for the whole family (teens and up), complete with enough moments of drama to keep it interesting, you will be satisfied. Not over the top delirious, but happy that your time and money wasn't wasted.
Feel Good Movie About Father and Son
fixitjamie29 August 2021
Every dad (ok, all of us) has flaws. Sometimes kids, help us see our flaws, and make us want to do better. This movie isn't a blockbuster movie with all sorts of action, but well worth the 102 minutes. It held my interest throughout the entire movie. Pretty decent acting from Jaeden Martell, who plays Anthony.
The Confirmation - A Fast Tracked Lesson About Life and Caring (with some mistakes along the way)
krocheav10 September 2017
What a surprise this little gem turned out to be, I consider it a true 'find'. Movies like this give new hope to an industry dominated by mega budget, cartoon character type CGI marvels - works that mostly add about as much to the quality of our lives as an empty popcorn packet. I came across this while looking for something else (I don't even remember what). Five minutes in I kept waiting for the thing to fall over in a heap like so many others in this genre, but it just kept getting better! What struck me first was the script – there was this scene with a young (8-10yr old) boy in a confessional (quite against his will and I agree with him). When asked what sins he had committed he said he did not know – it was the way he said it and the expressions on his face that showed he really didn't know. Here was a mostly decent kid, without interest or cause to be 'sinful'. Next, we meet this lads father who's just about to look after him for the weekend while his ex is away with her new hubby. Her parting words to them: "Please don't get into any trouble", with dad's famous last words reply: "How much trouble can we get into over two days"!
It's about to get interesting in so many ways and on so many realistic levels. Dad (Clive Owen) is struggling with overcoming a drinking habit, while he claims not to be drinking – it seems he still might be. His rather special son, Anthony (superbly played by Jaden Lieberher - this lad is most impressive!) is heading for an important learning curve with several challenging situations coming his way. Next we meet Otto, well played by ex-heart throb Robert Forster who is perfect for this role. Between dad and Otto (dads father?) young Anthony will learn valuable lessons about the complicated responsibilities of grown-up life. The whole script is virtually spot-on regarding the difficulties of understanding the adult world through young eyes. Anthony's dad is very down on his luck just now and his son is about to take this on-board first hand. With so many movies being lauded by the Academy and their trendy, soulless, critics, movies like this have become rare, and like this one, they shine brightly amid the overindulgence. It also quite powerfully highlights how current USA economic politics have unfairly dealt a blow to many of its own citizens (while this is filmed in Canada - the story is set in Kent Washington with its crushed economy).
For this work, the Award-nominated writer Bob Nelson (for Nebraska '13) is also director/producer (first effort), and he delivers a well-realized result with much to be admired. While he could seem a tad confused with some aspects of religiosity he at least leaves it open to serious thought. Also in the cast is another ex-heart throb Matthew Modine, playing new husband to dad's ex-wife Maria Bello (Jan Austen Book club '07). The slick cinematography comes from talented English born (now based in N.Y.) Terry Stacey. One or two story aspects keep this from reaching its target audience, such as several mildly dramatic situations and use of blasphemy in place of four-letter words (but in many people's book that's the same anyway!) That aside, this is recommended for thinking/feeling audiences – tired of the same old Hollywood blockbusters and looking for some 'real' people who most could identify with.
By the way, this is not a straight comedy as it's very wrongly being marketed - it's a drama with a little humour and while it's inspired by a classic of the past "The Bycical Thieves" it is far from a re-make as some have suggested - it may be the same genre but, this work stands its own ground very well. Find it on DVD or Foxtel.
It's about to get interesting in so many ways and on so many realistic levels. Dad (Clive Owen) is struggling with overcoming a drinking habit, while he claims not to be drinking – it seems he still might be. His rather special son, Anthony (superbly played by Jaden Lieberher - this lad is most impressive!) is heading for an important learning curve with several challenging situations coming his way. Next we meet Otto, well played by ex-heart throb Robert Forster who is perfect for this role. Between dad and Otto (dads father?) young Anthony will learn valuable lessons about the complicated responsibilities of grown-up life. The whole script is virtually spot-on regarding the difficulties of understanding the adult world through young eyes. Anthony's dad is very down on his luck just now and his son is about to take this on-board first hand. With so many movies being lauded by the Academy and their trendy, soulless, critics, movies like this have become rare, and like this one, they shine brightly amid the overindulgence. It also quite powerfully highlights how current USA economic politics have unfairly dealt a blow to many of its own citizens (while this is filmed in Canada - the story is set in Kent Washington with its crushed economy).
For this work, the Award-nominated writer Bob Nelson (for Nebraska '13) is also director/producer (first effort), and he delivers a well-realized result with much to be admired. While he could seem a tad confused with some aspects of religiosity he at least leaves it open to serious thought. Also in the cast is another ex-heart throb Matthew Modine, playing new husband to dad's ex-wife Maria Bello (Jan Austen Book club '07). The slick cinematography comes from talented English born (now based in N.Y.) Terry Stacey. One or two story aspects keep this from reaching its target audience, such as several mildly dramatic situations and use of blasphemy in place of four-letter words (but in many people's book that's the same anyway!) That aside, this is recommended for thinking/feeling audiences – tired of the same old Hollywood blockbusters and looking for some 'real' people who most could identify with.
By the way, this is not a straight comedy as it's very wrongly being marketed - it's a drama with a little humour and while it's inspired by a classic of the past "The Bycical Thieves" it is far from a re-make as some have suggested - it may be the same genre but, this work stands its own ground very well. Find it on DVD or Foxtel.
A Road Movie without the Road
RolloTomasi15 April 2019
I have to admit, it took a while for this one to get my attention. Once it gets going, and you start to get invested in the story and characters, it ends up being very worthwhile. It's a small, understated film with zero flash whatsoever. That's its appeal. It's a really nice father-son road movie where they don't go anywhere.
Clive Owen is a treasure. One of our greatest living actors.
Steaming on Netflix and other services.
More then watchable
eryui12 May 2016
I didn't find this movie bad at all, how the actual 6.3 vote had let me guess. It is not a masterpiece either, but it has different elements that let you enjoy the light ride. Indeed, the little Jaeden Lieberher is the real protagonist along some nice children and he is just so tender that should deserve a 10/10 him alone.
The plot is around a son before his coming confirmation who looks at is divorced father struggling between his problems during a tragic weekend. The child inside the confessional that open and then close the movie is so sweet to worth just by itself the whole film.
If you are a parent you could easily appreciate this movie.
8/10
The plot is around a son before his coming confirmation who looks at is divorced father struggling between his problems during a tragic weekend. The child inside the confessional that open and then close the movie is so sweet to worth just by itself the whole film.
If you are a parent you could easily appreciate this movie.
8/10
Not a bad film at all
MovieIQTest20 March 2016
Clive Owen and the kid actor who played his son both did a very good jobs in this tiny little film. Although it was shot in Canada, but it showed that the two countries in North America both suffered greatly for their majority poverty of their people, the run-down urban neighborhood, the poor relations between husbands and wives, the horrible and dreary lives of their kids after their marriages dissolved; even they could still barely maintain their matrimony lives, the poverty they are facing is predictably unavoidable.
The writer/director obviously didn't know too much of pawning his belongings to any pawnshop in Canada or in the United States. A box of overly used old tools without even one power tool could be pawned for $400.00?! IN YOUR WET DREAM! That box of old carpentry tools might only worth $20.00 in the eyes of any pawn shop owner or operator. If it could be pawned over $50.00, then the pawnshop must also be a charity organization!
This film also told us how drinking like drugs could ruin your life, your relationship to anyone including your marriage. But the most alarming message of this film is the undeniable fact of how dirt, filthy poor these people in both countries are, how the social infra-structure of both countries are in a desolate situation and most of them were already in ruin. These poor majority could only use religion to fool themselves with limited wishful thinking. They never know that it is both of their government and their elected politicians ruined their countries and their lives, and God has nothing to do with any of it. Of course, if the so-called imaginary entity really existed.
The writer/director obviously didn't know too much of pawning his belongings to any pawnshop in Canada or in the United States. A box of overly used old tools without even one power tool could be pawned for $400.00?! IN YOUR WET DREAM! That box of old carpentry tools might only worth $20.00 in the eyes of any pawn shop owner or operator. If it could be pawned over $50.00, then the pawnshop must also be a charity organization!
This film also told us how drinking like drugs could ruin your life, your relationship to anyone including your marriage. But the most alarming message of this film is the undeniable fact of how dirt, filthy poor these people in both countries are, how the social infra-structure of both countries are in a desolate situation and most of them were already in ruin. These poor majority could only use religion to fool themselves with limited wishful thinking. They never know that it is both of their government and their elected politicians ruined their countries and their lives, and God has nothing to do with any of it. Of course, if the so-called imaginary entity really existed.
A Little Slow At Times, BUT:
wilsp-255124 March 2019
This is a "life-learning-lesson" type movie. Each of the main characters brings something to the table to share with everyone.
Kids grow to be adults, but sometimes adults have to return to their youth and pick up an important part of who they really are.
Get the kids and your extended family in a circle around a bucket of popcorn and see this flick.
Then spend a few digital-device-free hours discussing what was learned.
When you're finished - share a group hug!
A breath of fresh air
poisoncupcake7422 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The shining light in this movie is Jaeden Lieberher. His character Anthony, brings to the screen one of the most genuine talents not seen for a long time. I couldn't figure out if this was a drama or comedy, it has thematic elements mixed in with comedy but the movie is very dramatic, however the drama is light hearted. For all his good intentions, Walt, played nicely by Clive Owen, is trying to do the right thing and constantly gets himself in a bad situation. His tools are stolen, and everything from there seems to go downhill for him. Oh yeah, its also his weekend to take care of his son, while the mother and step father go on a catholic retreat. I think his son (Lieberher) begins to see that his father really is trying to do the best he can in the face of adversity so these two head off, in search of the missing tools and meet all sorts of interesting characters in the film. I think the acting is great by everyone involved but the rapport between Owen and Lieberher is incredibly touching and real and it makes for a beautiful movie. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
VIEWS ON FILM review of The Confirmation
burlesonjesse515 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
It feels like a lifetime since I've seen Clive Owen in a movie. I thought he retired from acting. No matter. He shines like nobody's business in 2016's The Confirmation, a sort of cinematic slice of grated Americana (even though it was filmed in Canada). While watching this thing, you kinda wish it was all shot in black and white. Either way, I was easily enthralled.
Owen plays Walt, an alcoholic trying to abstain from his intrusive habit. He goes through withdrawal, avoids temptation when he sees nothing but wussy wine coolers in his ex-wife's refrigerator, and turns his head when he drives up to various taverns. He knows that if he gets intoxicated, he'll never get to hang out with his son Anthony again (played wonderfully by Midnight Special's Jaeden Lieberher). Speaking of his son, well Anthony's first Confirmation and/or Communion is coming up. This vehicle chronicles him and daddy-o spending a weekend together leading up to those events.
Clive Owen stripping himself down, shucks a cocky air and dives deep into character. His Walt in a sense, is a good person on the inside but at the same time, a down on his luck kind of guy. He's getting evicted from his house, his car won't start, and the tools he uses for his odd jobs in carpentry, have all been stolen. At a running time of 90 minutes, Walter and Anthony try to track down the thief of said tools and bond quietly in the process.
Bottom line: The Confirmation despite being a little too dogged and small scale, is still a winner much of the way. With facile chemistry between the leads, it's more entertaining and less arty than most independent flicks.
Containing a hoot of a supportive performance from Patton Oswalt, an almost unrecognizable Matthew Modine, and a setting complacent to the state of Washington (at least that's what the license plates revealed), "Confirmation" reminded me of 2000's Wonder Boys, last year's Grandma, and an Alexander Payne film (it seems logical being that director Bob Nelson wrote Payne's Oscar-nominated Nebraska). What's on screen is character-driven and whimsical with a certain aroma of sadness. In essence, it's like a road trip movie confined to a medium-sized town in which various, peculiar people fade in and out. And since The Confirmation is billed as a comedy, the humor is there but it's invariably dry and off-kilter. You have to pay really close attention in order to catch any truthful zingers (if you do laugh, it distracts you from what is otherwise a depressing yet rewarding experience).
Rookie director Bob Nelson keeps the atmospherics damp and overcast but lets his camera mainly capture the forgotten love between father and son. He also wants you the viewer, to fixate on whether or not Walt can get his act together and get his misunderstood life back on track. Nelson edits in chunks as "Confirmation" goes back and forth between coming-of-age eradication (Anthony can't decide what to say at Confession, can't decide if he should go to church, and thinks he's not being true to his Catholic faith) and chronic alcoholism tutorials (when Walt can't get his hands on a stiff drink, he talks to himself and has weird stomach pains).
Lastly, despite some rough edges to go along with a questionable PG-13 rating, The Confirmation still has a twangy, feel good soundtrack, decent camera-work echoing all things Payne, and a sense of being stately offbeat (that's a good thing, trust me). Rating: A "confirmed" 3 stars.
Owen plays Walt, an alcoholic trying to abstain from his intrusive habit. He goes through withdrawal, avoids temptation when he sees nothing but wussy wine coolers in his ex-wife's refrigerator, and turns his head when he drives up to various taverns. He knows that if he gets intoxicated, he'll never get to hang out with his son Anthony again (played wonderfully by Midnight Special's Jaeden Lieberher). Speaking of his son, well Anthony's first Confirmation and/or Communion is coming up. This vehicle chronicles him and daddy-o spending a weekend together leading up to those events.
Clive Owen stripping himself down, shucks a cocky air and dives deep into character. His Walt in a sense, is a good person on the inside but at the same time, a down on his luck kind of guy. He's getting evicted from his house, his car won't start, and the tools he uses for his odd jobs in carpentry, have all been stolen. At a running time of 90 minutes, Walter and Anthony try to track down the thief of said tools and bond quietly in the process.
Bottom line: The Confirmation despite being a little too dogged and small scale, is still a winner much of the way. With facile chemistry between the leads, it's more entertaining and less arty than most independent flicks.
Containing a hoot of a supportive performance from Patton Oswalt, an almost unrecognizable Matthew Modine, and a setting complacent to the state of Washington (at least that's what the license plates revealed), "Confirmation" reminded me of 2000's Wonder Boys, last year's Grandma, and an Alexander Payne film (it seems logical being that director Bob Nelson wrote Payne's Oscar-nominated Nebraska). What's on screen is character-driven and whimsical with a certain aroma of sadness. In essence, it's like a road trip movie confined to a medium-sized town in which various, peculiar people fade in and out. And since The Confirmation is billed as a comedy, the humor is there but it's invariably dry and off-kilter. You have to pay really close attention in order to catch any truthful zingers (if you do laugh, it distracts you from what is otherwise a depressing yet rewarding experience).
Rookie director Bob Nelson keeps the atmospherics damp and overcast but lets his camera mainly capture the forgotten love between father and son. He also wants you the viewer, to fixate on whether or not Walt can get his act together and get his misunderstood life back on track. Nelson edits in chunks as "Confirmation" goes back and forth between coming-of-age eradication (Anthony can't decide what to say at Confession, can't decide if he should go to church, and thinks he's not being true to his Catholic faith) and chronic alcoholism tutorials (when Walt can't get his hands on a stiff drink, he talks to himself and has weird stomach pains).
Lastly, despite some rough edges to go along with a questionable PG-13 rating, The Confirmation still has a twangy, feel good soundtrack, decent camera-work echoing all things Payne, and a sense of being stately offbeat (that's a good thing, trust me). Rating: A "confirmed" 3 stars.
Great feel good movie
vovers116 September 2018
A very human story, people hurting each other while struggling to get buy. A father trying to get back on his feet and young boys learning to become men. A bit too sweet and wholesome, the child actors carried the movie. Overall you'll feel better after watching this, so take a look.
This is what more movies should be about
Notme121325 March 2016
This movie is not anything like the movies they make nowadays This was a movie I didn't want to end. I bet many people can relate something in their life With this movie. It had a storyline that just streamed right along Anybody can watch this movie and leave with something!!!!! Best movie I have seen in a long time. Just watch. Trust me it's worth the 1hour and 42 minutes Of your time. I will not give any spoilers away But watch it as a family. You'll understand more after you see it. I just don't Understand people saying its a make over of an old movie. Like that Doesn't ever happen. But it's not a reason to say it was bad because of That!!!!!
A beautiful everyday drama from a common man's life
zill_the_equestrian22 June 2016
I got this movie only because of Clive Owen, but when I watched it for 10 minutes, I wasn't sure if this was going to be a typical Clive-Owen-movie with his true-to-life acting, but I still watched.
ThJaeden Lieberher.
e movie proved itself to be awesome. Anyone who is a father and sires a son can understand so many aspects of this movie. There are so many positive things in the movie that tell you how honest and nice people can be despite their own multiple problems. From Drake to Kyle and his wife, everyone has played a positive part and made the viewer believe that the world is still a nicer place to be in.
A brilliant family drama that can be watched with the entire family. Beautiful lessons and great acting from the 8-year-old Jaeden. Great direction and brilliant way of putting together a great movie. Thank you, gentlemen.
ThJaeden Lieberher.
e movie proved itself to be awesome. Anyone who is a father and sires a son can understand so many aspects of this movie. There are so many positive things in the movie that tell you how honest and nice people can be despite their own multiple problems. From Drake to Kyle and his wife, everyone has played a positive part and made the viewer believe that the world is still a nicer place to be in.
A brilliant family drama that can be watched with the entire family. Beautiful lessons and great acting from the 8-year-old Jaeden. Great direction and brilliant way of putting together a great movie. Thank you, gentlemen.
Small and simple but admirable movie
akcenat26 December 2018
Bonnie ex-wife of Walt (Clive Owen) asks him if he can keep their 8-year-old son Anthony for a night while she and her new husband go on a church couples retreat. The boy is supposed to stay out of trouble as he prepares for his confirmation, though it's not easy as everything surrounding him becomes a challenge of morality. Walt agrees and the story follows their eventful 24 hours together. As Walt, and Anthony, set about finding the guy who stole the tools from his truck, they begin to discover a true connection with each other.
"The Confirmation" is a small and simple but admirable movie with feel good soundtrack well worth seeking out. There is a huge supporting cast of recognizable actors like Patton Oswalt, Maria Bello, Robert Forster and Matthew Modine. Also, I do like very much Clive Owen as an actor, but I think he was miscast here. At the same time, production is low key but effective, making the most of its Pacific Northwest locations. Script overall was weak, and story battles periodically with sluggishness but there are some good pieces of dialogue and some touching scenes, no matter that (for me) story had very subtle anti Faith/religious/Christian parts, but it also could be said (by the authors) that sometimes doing wrong just might be the right thing. Unfortunately, film in general, wasn't anything with huge developments but embraced a-day-in-the-life of this more common family in the struggles of the USA. 6+/7-
"The Confirmation" is a small and simple but admirable movie with feel good soundtrack well worth seeking out. There is a huge supporting cast of recognizable actors like Patton Oswalt, Maria Bello, Robert Forster and Matthew Modine. Also, I do like very much Clive Owen as an actor, but I think he was miscast here. At the same time, production is low key but effective, making the most of its Pacific Northwest locations. Script overall was weak, and story battles periodically with sluggishness but there are some good pieces of dialogue and some touching scenes, no matter that (for me) story had very subtle anti Faith/religious/Christian parts, but it also could be said (by the authors) that sometimes doing wrong just might be the right thing. Unfortunately, film in general, wasn't anything with huge developments but embraced a-day-in-the-life of this more common family in the struggles of the USA. 6+/7-
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