Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close *** (PG-13)

Mark Glass | Jan 30, 2012, 12:36 p.m.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

In a laudable, if awkward, attempt to humanize the impact of 9/11 on the most intimate level for survivors of those who died in the attack, this drama focuses on a young boy who lost his father (Tom Hanks), and deals with his grief by continuing one of the elaborate quests that used to form the core of their relationship. In flashbacks, we see how dad set up little mystery adventures to challenge and bond with his son in a loving connection. Mom (Sandra Bullock) observed the fantasy machinations of her men lovingly and patiently.

Some clues for their latest game remained undiscovered when tragedy struck. They lead the boy to many discoveries in a plot that seems excessively romanticized until late in the proceedings. He finds a strange old man (Max von Sydow) who may be a previously-unknown relative, or a nut case, or both. His journey takes him to many strangers who may have known his father, touching all their lives in some surprising ways. There are bits of humor, considerable sentimentality, and elements of suspense in how this will turn out, especially about some secrets lurking in the background. Some will receive this production as emotionally satisfying, though more are likely to find it unsettling than cathartic. (1/20/12)