Woody Harrelson is on eccentric form as a loner who, in middle-age, discovers he is the father of a teenage girl.

Woody Harrelson is at his eccentric best as the eponymous hero of this odd comedy. Wilson is a lonely soul with only his dog as a companion and after the death of his ailing father he decides to track down his ex-wife (Laura Dern), who left him 17 years earlier. She is now working as a waitress and is still trying to sort out her own life. Then, out of the blue, she declares to Wilson that he is the father of the teenage Claire (Isabella Amara), who was adopted when she was still a baby. Needless to say, Wilson is desperate to make a connection with Claire...

Craig Johnson’s Wilson is a likeable but uneven film which, surprisingly, is based on a graphic novel. The characters are well developed but the darker elements of the story are not fully explored and not always consistent. Harrelson is well supported by a strong female cast that includes Judy Greer and Margo Martindale but it is the newcomer Amara as the spirited teenager who steals the film.

GEORGE SAVVIDES

Cast: Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Isabella Amara, Judy Greer, Cheryl Hines, Margo Martindale, David Warshofsky.

Dir Craig Johnson, Pro Jared Ian Goldman and Mary Jane Skalski, Screenplay Daniel Clowes, Ph Frederick Elmes, Pro Des Ethan Tobman, Ed Paul Zucker, Music Jon Brion, Costumes Christopher Peterson.

Fox Searchlight Pictures-20th Century Fox.
94 mins. USA. 2017. Rel: 9 June 2017. Cert. 15.

Wilson

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