Nothing gives me more satisfaction than introducing my friends, family and readers to movies they had never heard of but become favorites they cherish for years to come. ANGEL IN THE HOUSE is one of those movies.
ANGEL IN THE HOUSE (AKA FOSTER) (2011)
DIRECTOR: Jonathan Newman
STARRING: Toni Collette, Maurice Cole and Ioan Gruffudd
PLOT: After years of trying for a baby and failing, the prayers of a despairing couple are answered when a wise young boy miraculously arrives on their doorstep.
Sometimes, spending so much time reviewing movies can seem a bit frivolous; however, when I get a huge thank you for introducing someone to a new classic, it warms my cold heart.
This is the first in a series of posts where I highlight holiday movies that haven’t gotten the audience they deserve. Some were made on minuscule budgets and didn’t have the opportunity to reach many people upon their release. Others didn’t get the critical reaction I think they deserved. And still, others simply got lost in the hectic holiday shuffle of Christmas.
I sincerely hope that in the weeks and months to come, you’ll find at least a title or two that will warm your hearts, make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye, or perhaps all of the above.
Our inaugural film in this series is called ANGEL IN THE HOUSE.
What is ANGEL IN THE HOUSE About?
Before I begin, I should let you know that this movie’s alternate title is FOSTER. In fact, if you look it up on IMDb, you will find it under this name rather than ANGEL IN THE HOUSE. I actually much prefer the title FOSTER, which I will explain in more detail later.
Alec and Zooey are a young couple who are lamenting their difficulty bearing a child. The doctor thinks the problem is psychological, and a previous tragedy is alluded to, which is revealed later in the film.
Considering the possibility of adoption, they pay a visit to Lange Foster Home, which is run by Hayley Mills. Yes, 1960s Disney staple and POLLYANNA herself. She looks wonderful here and is a welcome sight for those of us who fondly remember movies like the original PARENT TRAP.
Shortly after the visit, young Eli shows up on Alec and Zooey’s doorstep with the understanding that they are being given a trial run for possible future adoption.
Eli is a peculiar child, to say the least. He refuses to wear anything besides a suit and hat because he thinks a man must always look his best. He turns off cartoons in favor of CNN, cooks a breakfast that would make Julia Child green with envy, and reads Tolstoy rather than Dr. Seuss.
Meanwhile, Alec runs a family-owned toy business which was started by his dad. He’s facing financial hardship and the possible loss of said business. It’s a very rough time for him, and the stress of his predicament makes it difficult for him to warm up to young Eli.
And I’ll stop there to avoid giving away what happens next. Suffice it to say Eli’s presence changes both Alec and Zooey’s lives individually and as a couple.
A Christmas Movie Both Funny and Touching
I have to be honest. Normally, I am totally allergic to any film featuring a precociously cute kid who appears to be smarter than every adult in the room. You know what I mean? The little rugrat who comes up with a smart aleck comeback or droll punchline faster than a speeding bullet.
But lo and behold, a Christmas miracle truly occurred as I watched with bated breath! I not only tolerated it, but I had a great time watching. I even got a little verklempt by the time the closing credits rolled. It’s a Christmas movie that is genuinely both funny and touching.
ANGEL IN THE HOUSE Should Have Been Titled FOSTER
Now, let me briefly expand on my thoughts about the title. Calling the film ANGEL IN THE HOUSE, not to mention putting a halo above young Eli’s head on the poster, TOTALLY gives away the film’s major twist even before you start watching.
Had I known the film just as FOSTER, while it’s admittedly not the catchiest of titles, there would have been a little more suspense about the character of Eli, who is obviously too good to be true. Why in the world would the filmmakers work so hard to keep Eli’s true identity a secret when it’s identified in the title?
That said, I’m certainly not going to penalize the movie itself for its title’s ineptitude! Besides, there’s much to enjoy here.
Toni Collette and Maurice Cole are Wonderful
Among the film’s most substantial joys are two performances by Toni Collette and Maurice Cole. The wonderful Collette is a familiar face to movie-goers by now, but she deserves to be such a bigger star than she is.
From her breakthrough in MURIEL’S WEDDING to her Oscar-nominated turn in THE SIXTH SENSE to her all-time great performance in HEREDITARY, Collette’s presence usually guarantees a modicum of quality. And she is really good here – her believability and authenticity help sell some more unbelievable moments.
Young Cole as little Eli is absolutely irresistible. He brilliantly walks that fine line between adorable munchkin and intolerable brat. He sold me from the first scene to the last, and his performance is one I will actually remember for a long time to come.
This film will most certainly appeal to the Hallmark crowd, and those willing to suspend a bit of disbelief for the Christmas season may be pleasantly surprised.
RATING: ***1/2 out of *****
Have you seen ANGEL IN THE HOUSE? If so, do you agree with my assessment? If not, does it sound like a movie you’d like to see?
Are there any holiday movies you love but no one else seems to know about? Let me know in the comments below. Maybe it will show up in a future article.
MORE POSTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS MOVIES THAT YOU WILL SURELY ENJOY:
40 BEST CHOICES! LIST OF G RATED CHRISTMAS MOVIES TO WATCH
7 POPULAR CHRISTMAS MOVIES FOR TEENS TO WATCH THIS HOLIDAY
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