The Book of Henry

An 11-year-old boy genius runs the show in a single-parent American household as this serio-comic fable unfolds with more than a hint of mid-80s Spielberg. Jaeden Lieberher's Henry loves building Heath Robinson-esque contraptions, is working on his stocks portfolio, has expertise in existentialism and brain surgery, but is also caring towards his put-upon waitress mum (Naomi Watts) and vulnerable little brother (Jacob Tremblay). He seems perfect in every way, except for the numbing headaches. Some will guess the story's direction of travel, but Henry's thought of everything in advance, with a red notebook that's a handy user manual - including what's to be done about the suspicions hanging over their next-door neighbour (Breaking Bad's Dean Norris). Tonally, the film plays like ET minus the alien visitor, but its heavy-duty subject matter (mortality, child abuse) proves a truly awkward mix. The cast performs heroics and director Colin Trevorrow's emotional empathy with the characters is clear, yet this simply fails the credibility test, with one plot strand involving illegal firearms startlingly irresponsible.