Alien at the Movies

A family man's footloose & fancy free attitude drags his family across country living like gypsies & squatting in abandon buildings. Told in flashbacks, this dysfunctional family story is based on the memoirs of Jennette Walls (Brie Lawson), the second child of Rex (Woody Harrelson) & Rose Mary (Naomi Watts). It's a powerful & emotional film about overcoming the scars of living with dreams of an alcoholic father who was more talk than action and realizing those loving magical moments behind it all. Lawson, Watts, & Harrelson demonstrate their award worthy skills. The supporting cast of children is also exceptional as they learn life through living rather than from a formal education. Photos & film footage of the real family members appear as the credits roll.

Alien gives it 3 "sink or swim unconventional parenting" stars out of 4.