• Praise-worthy performances and a affectionately written script by Jim Sheridan (with real-life daughters Naomi and Kirsten Sheridan) carry this film into the archives for 2002
  • The voice-over by older sister (actor Sarah Bolger) is our narrative vehicle complete with her recording home videos and making a movie of her own so to speak. She’s making three wishes to her brother throughout the film
  • Adorable Emma Bolger (real life sister with actor Sarah Bolger) is adorable
  • Fine sequence with “Do You Believe in Magic” as the sound trop to the kids seeing New York City and Times Square for the first time
  • A very good scene, tough to watch, of the father (Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton are more than capable actors here as the parents) gambling their entire life savings and rent money to win an E.T. doll by throwing tennis balls
  • The bond of the family and neighbor (Djimon Hounsou) certainly is earned. The payoffs-moment they find out Hounsou’s character has paid their unpayable hospital bill and the moment Sarah Bolger gets Considine’s character to say goodbye to their passed son
  • Recommend but not near the top 10 2002