Labor Day (2013)

Instant Favorite.

A Brilliant Conflict

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Labor Day stars Kate Winselt and Josh Brolin and tells the tale of a single mother who helps a convict out as he escaped from prison and is on the run from the cops. The story is told through Winslet's charcthers son who is played by Tobey Maguire and the movie intertwines with Kate's charcther falling for the convict. But will the convict hand himself in after killing his former girlfriend?? or did he kill her at all?Bottom line I though it was an OK movie its not a film I would be dying to see again as my uncle told me about this film and he suggested me to see it. If you are a fan of Winslet or Tobey Maguire than check it outC-

Although this film is in many ways excellent both from acting and cinematography, it relies quite heavily on a few improbabilities that initially do not distract from your enjoyment. In retrospect however you can't help thinking, woah how did that happen? An escaped ex-con accosts a woman and gently but firmly persuades her and her young son to conceal them in her home, to which she agrees, though somewhat reluctantly. Unlikely? Of course it is, but this is a story after all. We are expected to believe that her loneliness and depression override her common sense. Possible, I suppose, I am no psychologist. Gradually the pair begin a relationship. Turns out this guy although an ex-con, is a real nice guy, does helpful jobs around the house, becomes a father figure to her little boy and even shines in bed. He is, in fact the man of her dreams. Of course, the law eventually catches up with him after various peripheral characters, plus an infuriatingly nosey cop, put two and two together. Result: Mister Nice Guy is banged up for another long stretch in the pen. The final rather unlikely situation: The woman waits for an eternity for his sentence to end and they are reunited in a sentimental final scene. And guess what? He is even more handsome and rugged-looking than he was before, despite being many years older. So, yes a very good and involving film, despite these minor cracks, rather than holes, in the plot.

In a shift in tone and subject matter for director Jason Reitman ('Juno', 'Up In The Air'), his newest film 'Labor Day' is a sweet tale of love and starting over. Originally written by Joyce Maynard with a screenplay treatment by Reitman himself, this gem of a film is a slice of great pie. Sure, this situation would never play out as it did in the film, but is one that we would hope for. With a stellar cast that includes Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Tobey Maguire, J.K. Simmons, Gattlin Griffith, and James Van Der Beek, 'Labor Day' is a holiday I'd revisit again and feel good about it.'Labor Day' was originally a novel by Maynard, and is transferred to film almost perfectly. The film is set in the mid 1980s as we meet single mother Adele (Winslet) and her young boy Henry (Griffith). Adele's ex-husband left her for his secretary (Clark Gregg) and still plays a role in Henry's life. However, the divorce has taken a large toll on Adele. So much so that she is afraid to leave the house but once a month to do grocery shopping. Meanwhile, the young Henry is left to take care of his mother, go to the bank, and fix small things around the house.While at the local super-market, Henry comes across a stranger named Frank (Brolin) who seems to be bleeding from his stomach. In what seems in a blink of an eye, Frank forces Henry and Adele to help him heal and avoid the authorities. Come to find out, Frank is an escaped convict. His crime was murder, as we see his back story unravel through a series of wonderfully crafted flashbacks throughout the film. Frank is a great man who is patient, pleasant, extremely nice, and can cook a mean pie.In the part that would never happen in real life, Adele and Frank begin to fall for each other over the course of a weekend, as Frank fixes the house up, teaches Henry to bake a pie and play catch, and even dances the night away with Adele. Meanwhile, Henry and Adele have to keep Frank a secret as the police are searching for him night and day. Soon, Adele is able to get out of the house with ease and begins to trust people again. On the other hand, Henry is discovering girls and learning what it takes to be a man.Reitman tells this wonderful story at a magic pace, as we get enough time with these character to truly fall in love with them. It's also a beautiful film to look at. Brolin and Winslet turn in solid performances and Griffith shines as the kid who is starting to find himself. One of the flaws of the film is some of its dialogue is a bit on the cheesy side with a few clichés that are hit too hard on the nose. But it never detracts from the overall viewing experience. I really loved seeing the 1980s set design. From the old school television sets to the 'Star Wars' and 'E.T.' posters on the walls, and even the characters watching 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. It really brought me back to my childhood. 'Labor Day' won't fascinate everyone, but if you give it a chance, I'm sure you'll walk away satisfied.

I find myself using IMDb more these days, but what I found when I searched for this film was a disappointing 6.9 out of 10, a much too low rating for a beautifully written piece of work. No not an exciting film but one that delves deeper in to the characters, you are captured immediately when Kate winslet's character, who is very troubled begins to interact with the escaped convict who is played by Josh Brolin. As he settles in and you watch their relationship develop in to something very beautiful, you discover darker secrets which adds more intrigue and keeps your attention. The son of Kate Winslet delivers a ten out of ten performance, also giving you an individual storyline, not only is he a key part in the film talking you through everything as it unfolds, but you see his struggle through puberty and finding his way as a young boy learning about relationships between men and women. This film is very dark, yet i feel there was beautiful message conveyed throughout. A must see! If you come across this film you should never over look it. Outstanding performances from Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin.