Ezra, to me, came as a real surprise. I read the synopsis… and was a little worried we’d have a Rain Man situation here. And it’s weird to say that since Rain Man (about an autistic adult) is a pretty great movie. But also an ’80s movie with a bit of an ’80s understanding of autism. So… would this flick be tone deaf or earnest? (spoiler alert: It’s earnest. Definitely earnest)

The flick stars Bobby Cannavale as a stand-up comedian and stand-up father of a high functioning autistic child who he adores. He’s divorced from the mother and frustrated they aren’t on the same page as parents any longer. And then the state comes sniffing around.

What I loved about this film is that it feels genuine. It’s wholesome and sweet in its depiction of a imperfect father and his relationship with his slightly-off kid. He never doesn’t love the little guy, but he’s got anger (and father) issues which he struggles with. He’s not a king nor is he a miscreant… he’s just a guy trying hard and maybe not exactly making the wisest of choices.

The cast is pretty impressive. They got Robert De Niro, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopie Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, and a cameo by Jimmy Kimmel (and Guillermo). Not suggesting any of these folk are putting in half a performance but it feels like someone was calling in some favors. If so, it doesn’t impact their performances at all… everyone is doing great work. I especially liked Rainn Wilson’s small part which he shares with newcomer Jacqueline Nwabueze as a random visiting Sister from Africa. I was also impressive by De Niro playing a tough guy pop-pop… his final scene with Cannavale was great.

I’m no expert on the autism spectrum or wise enough to know if the depiction of the kid was respectful and sensitive. That said, the depiction felt believable to me. And the father/son dynamic was great, especially in those heartfelt moments where the kid is triggered and dad struggles to help.

I think this is a special film… one that stoic dads should want to see. But even with its masculine charms, anyone with their hearts open will enjoy it. It’s not a loud or bombastic film… it’s a true, thoughtful, down-to-earth earnest one.

Score: 86