As year's go, the 12 months between 2010 and 2011 shone rather brightly on young Thomas Horn.
First off, as a 13-year-old, he won the American game show Jeopardy!, during kids' week, gambling $12,000 dollars and scooping $31,000.
While he was on the show, he was spotted by producer Scott Rudin who gave him a role to which Hollywood A-listers would play second fiddle.
But most amazing of all is how good Horn is in a film which has been shortlisted for the best picture Oscar.
He plays a teenager, Oskar, who is borderline Asperger's syndrome and is struggling to cope with the death of his father(Tom Hanks) in the World Trade Center on 9/11.
To be honest. much of the first half of the film is a bit turgid as it lays down the background, particularly the development of the relationship between father and son before the terrible day.
But it notches up a pace when Oskar, following his dad's death, discovers a key in his belongings and convinced himself that it was meant for him.
Thus, begins a quirky chase around the streets of New York in an attempt of find the key's lock.
Along the way, he enlists the help of an old man who has rented rooms from his grandmother.
Max Van Sydow has deservedly been nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of the damaged pensioner who cannot speak (being silent seems to be a pre-requisite to be on the shortlist this year).
As the story progresses so more and more emotional buttons are pressed. There are two scenes, in particular, where I imagine tears will be shed in cinemas up and down the land.
One involves Sandra Bullock who, until, a poignant finale, appears only sporadically.
As said, Stephen Daldry's movie needs time and I suspect some of its indifferent reviews have come from folk who have understandably lost patience.
However, hanging on in there yields the reward of loose ends being tied up and a touching ending.
Horn is rarely out of shot for the entire 129 minutes - I cannot believe this performance will not lead to the offer of more roles.
Laughs: one
Jumps: one
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7/10
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