It is these little known movies many have never heard of that end up being the biggest surprises (although I saw the trailer for this film when I saw Anna Karenina in the theater last winter). Any Day Now is a quiet surprise as it is a small-ish film with no "significant" stars in its cast that packs an unexpected emotional punch.
While Any Day Now is a flawed film -- editing isn't so great, there is an almost too-authentic/over-the-top 70's feel to the production and there are some continuity flaws clearly visible on screen -- the story and acting are quite good. Most of the actors in the film tend to be strong supporting players/character actors and it is nice seeing some of them get bigger roles proving they are capable actors who have wisely chosen their profession.
Inspired by a true story, Any Day Now takes place in the late 70's and is about Rudy Donatello (Alan Cumming - Circle of Friends) who one day takes notice of Marco, a down syndrome kid (a remarkable Isaac Leyva) who is his neighbor and who unfortunately has a deadbeat, drug-addled single parent mother (Jamie Anne Allman -- Aunt Terry of 'The Killing') who cares little for him or his well-being as her primary concern in life appears to be her scoring her next hit. Disgusted and distraught for the innocent child, Rudy asks his lawyer pal Paul (Garret Dillahunt - No Country for Old Men) to see what he can do about helping the child after Marco's mother abandons him after telling Rudy he was free to take care of him if he wished (as he'd be out of her hair).
Any Day Now is a story of love and compassion but most of all acceptance ... as Rudy takes in and loves another in spite of all obstacles he knows he will encounter. Rudy and Marco create a makeshift family and nobody has a problem with it until it is revealed that Rudy is a homosexual (NOT a spoiler as the audience knows from the opening scenes) and his love and kindness and respect are apparently no longer valid. The closeted pal Paul struggles with coming out and doing what is right as he knows all-too-well the repercussions of being gay in a not-quite-fully accepting society.... all while the audience sees that true love knows no bounds because an innocent Marco sees nothing but love for those who have loved him.
The film (unfortunately) becomes a bit more of a legal drama than one would wish as it explores the biased legal system in the film's second half; but at its core is Cumming's genuine and heartfelt performance that is rather impressive. Who knew that the slithery creep (who could make one's skin crawl) from Circle of Friends could also make you like him?!
We know the film is about a man who wants the best for a disadvantaged, disabled child. We know the man happens to be gay in a time much less accepting than today. What we don't know and the film is about is what happens to Marco and whether or not his wants/wishes are even considered by both a legal system and a society afraid of homosexuality.
While it won't be a film for everyone, open-minded and big-hearted individuals should like several aspects of this film. Yes ... it could have been better but so can the world we all live in.
While Any Day Now is a flawed film -- editing isn't so great, there is an almost too-authentic/over-the-top 70's feel to the production and there are some continuity flaws clearly visible on screen -- the story and acting are quite good. Most of the actors in the film tend to be strong supporting players/character actors and it is nice seeing some of them get bigger roles proving they are capable actors who have wisely chosen their profession.
Inspired by a true story, Any Day Now takes place in the late 70's and is about Rudy Donatello (Alan Cumming - Circle of Friends) who one day takes notice of Marco, a down syndrome kid (a remarkable Isaac Leyva) who is his neighbor and who unfortunately has a deadbeat, drug-addled single parent mother (Jamie Anne Allman -- Aunt Terry of 'The Killing') who cares little for him or his well-being as her primary concern in life appears to be her scoring her next hit. Disgusted and distraught for the innocent child, Rudy asks his lawyer pal Paul (Garret Dillahunt - No Country for Old Men) to see what he can do about helping the child after Marco's mother abandons him after telling Rudy he was free to take care of him if he wished (as he'd be out of her hair).
Any Day Now is a story of love and compassion but most of all acceptance ... as Rudy takes in and loves another in spite of all obstacles he knows he will encounter. Rudy and Marco create a makeshift family and nobody has a problem with it until it is revealed that Rudy is a homosexual (NOT a spoiler as the audience knows from the opening scenes) and his love and kindness and respect are apparently no longer valid. The closeted pal Paul struggles with coming out and doing what is right as he knows all-too-well the repercussions of being gay in a not-quite-fully accepting society.... all while the audience sees that true love knows no bounds because an innocent Marco sees nothing but love for those who have loved him.
The film (unfortunately) becomes a bit more of a legal drama than one would wish as it explores the biased legal system in the film's second half; but at its core is Cumming's genuine and heartfelt performance that is rather impressive. Who knew that the slithery creep (who could make one's skin crawl) from Circle of Friends could also make you like him?!
We know the film is about a man who wants the best for a disadvantaged, disabled child. We know the man happens to be gay in a time much less accepting than today. What we don't know and the film is about is what happens to Marco and whether or not his wants/wishes are even considered by both a legal system and a society afraid of homosexuality.
While it won't be a film for everyone, open-minded and big-hearted individuals should like several aspects of this film. Yes ... it could have been better but so can the world we all live in.