HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS
A film review by Bernie Keany
Copyright 1987 Bernie Keany
I've decided I now know what reviewers are trying to say when they say a film has an "E.T." quality. What they mean is: "Are we really going to treat the first thing we don't understand this way? Will we poke, prod, cage and perhaps even surgically examine another living being in order to understand it?" Well, until I'm sure the answers to the above questions are no, I guess people should continue to make movies about the subject.
At the risk of being scoffed off the group, I'm posting a few favorable comments about HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS. While I realize Siskel and Ebert had nothing good to say about this film, I enjoyed it--a lot.
The film revolves around Harry, a "Bigfoot," who is unfortunate enough to step in front of the Henderson's car as they return from a camping (hunting) vacation. John Lithgow gives another very good performance as the father of the Henderson clan.
Thinking Harry is dead and seeing a way to make a few $$ on the deal they load him on top of the family station wagon for the trip to Seattle (home). If only life was that simple. The rest of the movie revolves around the family reacting to this new guest and more of the plot which I shouldn't reveal. One plot twist I will give up is the fact that Harry is a vegetarian; this leads to alot of funny scenes. Don Ameche has a small but very good role as a Bigfoot expert.
The film also benefits from its setting in Washington and has great scenery. If you liked E.T. you'll like this movie.
Bernie ptsfa!bnk
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