Based on a novel of the same name by English writer Michelle Magorian (who also wrote Goodnight Mister Tom, which has also been dramatised for television), Just Henry is a sentimental drama of the kind that used to appear regularly on British TV at Sunday teatime. Set in the north of England in the post-Second World War period, it tells the coming of age story of 15-year old schoolboy Henry. Henry lives with his mother, his stepfather and his (at times) rather spiteful paternal grandmother. His father has been dead for 9 years - he would have been 38 years old at the time the story is set - and seemingly died a war hero. Henry's grandmother believes that her daughter-in-law's new husband isn't a patch on her dead son and is constantly trying to undermine their relationship. However, things are not quite as they seem - and Henry has to confront some interesting truths about his Dad, at a time when he is wrestling with adolescence, his discovery of the opposite sex and the need to apply himself to his education.
Just Henry is enjoyable enough. It is very well acted by a good cast. The problem, as I see it, is that it is rather too twee and sentimental. It could have done with more edge. Too much of it is bathed (both actually and metaphorically) in a layer of soft focus, almost sepia-tinted cinematography. The delineation between good and bad is simplistic. And the ending is unnecessary and ridiculous. It does not in any way stretch the viewer. Rather, it simply invites you to sit back, relax and bask in its wholesome atmosphere. A pleasant, entertaining but undemanding 80 or so minutes of TV. 6/10.
Just Henry is enjoyable enough. It is very well acted by a good cast. The problem, as I see it, is that it is rather too twee and sentimental. It could have done with more edge. Too much of it is bathed (both actually and metaphorically) in a layer of soft focus, almost sepia-tinted cinematography. The delineation between good and bad is simplistic. And the ending is unnecessary and ridiculous. It does not in any way stretch the viewer. Rather, it simply invites you to sit back, relax and bask in its wholesome atmosphere. A pleasant, entertaining but undemanding 80 or so minutes of TV. 6/10.