Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

What I liked:

• The kid was fantastic.  Thomas Horn rightfully deserved his Critic's Choice win and I think he should get an Oscar nomination for his performance.
• Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks were perfect choices to play his parents.
• Max von Sydow (the Renter) was just the right combination of silent and compassionate.
• Also making an appearance in the film: John Goodman, Viola Davis, and Jeffrey Wright.
• Oskar has the coolest grandma in the world.  How many grannies do you know would answer the call of a walkie talkie in the middle of the night?
• The story was very creative and interesting as it was adapted from the book written by Jonathan Safran Foer.  Having said that...

What I didn't like:

• The story is also incredibly sad and depressing and on so many different levels.  There's 9/11, the death of a parent/spouse, dealing with a "not normal" kid, being a single parent, dealing with disappointment, and much more.  Don't be surprised if you find yourself crying for the two hours.  The film definitely packs a few emotional punches.

Grade: A-