'The Story of Luke' is one of those movies that makes me happy to hand over my $7.99 to Netflix every month. I find movies similar to this on Netflix often, movies that never had financial success, or movies that just were not advertised properly. This hidden gem follows Luke, a high functioning Autistic young man who is trying to make a life for himself after receiving some advice from his grandfather who is slipping into senility.
I think that any movie with a main character with a mental disability faces the challenge of not becoming the Lifetime movie of the week. The main character is less equipped to deal with the real world, and the odds are so stacked against them, and when they succeed it is so heart-warming, and we all cry just a bit. Yuck! Luckily, Lou Taylor Pucci, the actor who plays Luke does a wonderful job of making his character, for lack of a better term, a smart ass. Whether he is critiquing his aunt's cooking, or just having a conversation at work, he has a slyness to him that lets you feel that no matter what, he is going to be alright.
Seth Green makes an appearance in the movie, which is a nice surprise. He plays Luke's computer nerd, conspiracy theorist, geeky boss, who has a mental disability himself, although he hides it very well. As the movie unfolds he sort of finds a place as Luke's sidekick, although he thinks he is in charge. Together, they tackle life and Luke strives to achieve his simple goals, and I am glad they bring me along for the ride.
I wouldn't say that I finished this movie feeling inspired, maybe more so humbled. 'The Story of Luke' does a great job conveying that the hardships of an autistic person don't seem much more frightening than those of anyone searching for happiness. New things can be intimidating, and everyone is scared of straying away from the routine of which they have become accustomed, and we soon all find out that trying is much more difficult than failing.
I think that any movie with a main character with a mental disability faces the challenge of not becoming the Lifetime movie of the week. The main character is less equipped to deal with the real world, and the odds are so stacked against them, and when they succeed it is so heart-warming, and we all cry just a bit. Yuck! Luckily, Lou Taylor Pucci, the actor who plays Luke does a wonderful job of making his character, for lack of a better term, a smart ass. Whether he is critiquing his aunt's cooking, or just having a conversation at work, he has a slyness to him that lets you feel that no matter what, he is going to be alright.
Seth Green makes an appearance in the movie, which is a nice surprise. He plays Luke's computer nerd, conspiracy theorist, geeky boss, who has a mental disability himself, although he hides it very well. As the movie unfolds he sort of finds a place as Luke's sidekick, although he thinks he is in charge. Together, they tackle life and Luke strives to achieve his simple goals, and I am glad they bring me along for the ride.
I wouldn't say that I finished this movie feeling inspired, maybe more so humbled. 'The Story of Luke' does a great job conveying that the hardships of an autistic person don't seem much more frightening than those of anyone searching for happiness. New things can be intimidating, and everyone is scared of straying away from the routine of which they have become accustomed, and we soon all find out that trying is much more difficult than failing.