RENEW International Partners With Luke Wilson Film Henry Poole is Here

RENEW International announced its Theology on Tap young adult ministry team is the official faith-based partner for the upcoming film, Henry Poole Is Here, to be released nationally August 15, 2008. The comedic drama directed by Mark Pellington stars Luke Wilson (The Family Stone, The Royal Tenenbaums) as a disillusioned man who goes hiding in placid suburbia only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope.

The film also stars Radha Mitchell (Finding Neverland), Oscar® nominee Adriana Barraza (Babel), Emmy® nominee Cheryl Hines (Waitress), George Lopez (Real Women Have Curves) and newcomers Rachel Seiferth and Morgan Lily.

The story finds Henry returning to the middle-class neighborhood where he grew up, choosing to live in indulgent isolation. Real life, however, refuses to cooperate with his plans. Nosy neighbors interrupt him with curious visits and prying questions. Then the situation escalates as a stain on Henry’s stucco wall is seen to have miraculous powers. His last-ditch hideout becomes a shrine; his backyard turns into an arena for passionate debate about faith and destiny. Seeking anonymous oblivion, cynical Henry Poole instead finds himself right at the center of the human comedy.

Joe Arner, Theology on Tap spokesperson commented, “While faith and its effects can be found throughout pop culture, rarely does a film address it so directly and in such an engaging way as in Henry Poole is Here. We believe that its treatment of faith will generate dialogue, especially among the young adults that Theology on Tap touches through its many events.”

Theology on Tap is an outreach to and collaboration with young Catholic adults in pursuit of spiritual growth. Theology on Tap reaches young adults—women and men, single and married, 20s and 30s—where they are, inviting them to discover how faith can inform and give sense to their everyday lives, and how to deepen their involvement in the Catholic community and all that it does. Local Theology on Tap teams around the country and internationally offer friendly gatherings centered on topics of faith in relaxed settings like restaurants, bars, and other casual venues.

The Theology on Tap team has encouraged local groups in cities with film openings to invite young adults to view the movie and come together for a discussion of the key themes. A special Henry Poole is Here Film Discussion Guide was prepared to facilitate this conversation. It is available to download by visiting http://www.theologyontap.com

Theology on Tap is working in collaboration with Different Drummer, a social marketing, media and mobilization company, and film distributor, Overture Films. Different Drummer’s staff was instrumental in creating the groundswell of interest for recent independent hit, Bella.

About RENEW International
RENEW International is a not-for-profit Catholic ministry organization based in Plainfield, NJ. RENEW International fosters spiritual renewal in the Catholic tradition by empowering individuals and communities to encounter God in everyday life, deepen and share faith, and connect faith with action. Its website can be found at www.renewintl.org.

RENEW International
1232 George Street
Plainfield, NJ 07062-1717
908-769-5400 x 126

Contact Information

Deirdre Malacrea

Director of Marketing and Communications

RENEW International

Contact via E-mail