"Harry & Son" is an opportunity for Paul Newman to wear four hats....actor, director, producer and writer. And, while his acting and direction are fine, I am not so sure of his producer skills and I am even less bowled over by his writing.
There isn't a huge amount of plot in this one. Instead, it's more a character study of two guys who seem absolutely nothing like family even though they are supposed to be father and son. And, as such, it's not a particularly enjoyable character study...and much of it is because Robby Benson's character is so childish and annoying. While not as bad, Newman's actually isn't so much better. As a result, the film just seemed aimless and difficult to like...even though I think Newman was one of our great actors. Here, it's hard to notice because the story and Benson are so weak...as is the ending...which seemed to come way too late.
There isn't a huge amount of plot in this one. Instead, it's more a character study of two guys who seem absolutely nothing like family even though they are supposed to be father and son. And, as such, it's not a particularly enjoyable character study...and much of it is because Robby Benson's character is so childish and annoying. While not as bad, Newman's actually isn't so much better. As a result, the film just seemed aimless and difficult to like...even though I think Newman was one of our great actors. Here, it's hard to notice because the story and Benson are so weak...as is the ending...which seemed to come way too late.