Henry Poole Is Here
January 23, 2008

Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett of Overture Films along with Tom Rosenberg and David Dinerstein of Lakeshore Entertainment have confirmed today that the studio acquired U.S. rights to Sundance premiere, Henry Poole Is Here. The comedic drama directed by Mark Pellington (U2 3D, Arlington Road) 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. Producing for Lakeshore are Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi and Richard Wright along with Gary Gilbert and Tom Lassally.

Screenwriter Albert Torres’ debut 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 passion and enthusiasm that Chris and Danny showed for the film made us quickly realize that Overture would be the film’s perfect home," said Tom Rosenberg, Chairman and CEO of Lakeshore Entertainment.

Chris McGurk, CEO of Overture Films, says "It’s great to be back in business with Tom Rosenberg and Lakeshore. We can’t wait to share this remarkable film with audiences."

"We were moved by Mark Pellington’s poignant film and Luke Wilson’s memorable performance - these discoveries are why we come to Sundance," added Danny Rosett , Overture’s COO.

Dinerstein, Lakeshore’s President of Marketing and Distribution, added, "Chris and Danny experienced first-hand what an audience-pleaser this was and will know how to make sure it’s marketed effectively."

The story finds Henry returning to the middleclass 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.

Overture Films currently has comedy Mad Money in theatres starring Academy Award® winner Diane Keaton, Oscar® nominee Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes. Hitting theatres on March 14th, 2008, Overture will release its second film, Sleepwalking, an emotional drama about a young girl’s search for parental love, starring Oscar® winner Charlize Theron. Following is Tom McCarthy’s The Visitor, Overture’s recent acquisition from the 2007 Toronto Film Festival, which will arrive in theaters on April 11th, 2008. Overture is domestically distributing the action-thriller Righteous Kill, starring Oscar® winners Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, which finished principal photography last November. Also recently wrapped is Traitor, a politically charged espionage thriller starring Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce, as well as Last Chance Harvey, starring Oscar® winners Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson. Finally, Overture Films most recently green-lit Humboldt Park, a family dramedy about three siblings’ return to their family’s home for the holidays, starring John Leguizamo and Freddy Rodriguez.

Lakeshore Entertainment’s Unbreakable opens in theatres this Friday, January 25, 2008, distributed by Screen Gems. They are currently in production on Game, a futuristic thriller, and Underworld 3. It’s film, Elegy starring Penelope Cruz and Ben Kingsley, will receive a world premiere at this year’s Berlin Film Festival.

(Source: Overture Films.)