Harry Grows Up

Harry Grows Up is a charming 2012 short romantic-comedy film, directed by Mark Nickelsburg, which beautifully brings together the elements of love, loss, and adorable babyhood in the entirely original context of New York City. The film features exceptional performances by Grace Gawthrop, Josh Hamilton, and Elizabeth Newcomer, who lend an endearing charm and warmth to their characters.

The film centers around the protagonist, a toddler named Harry who is being raised solely by his father after the devastating loss of his mother. Instead of focusing primarily on the grieving process, the film pushes boundaries by giving voice to the amazingly precocious little Harry, who is wise beyond his years and shares an enchanting perspective on life, love, and happiness.

Grace Gawthrop, portraying the role of the Baby Sitter, delivers an engaging performance as she attempts to fulfil her duties in the backdrop of Manhattan, while managing and enjoying the eccentricities that come with her young charge, Harry. Josh Hamilton, one of the remarkable actors of his generation, wears the role of Harry’s father effortlessly, presenting a touching portrayal of a widowed young father while navigating through the challenges and humor of fatherhood and dating in NYC. There’s also the wonderful performance of Elizabeth Newcomer who puts a modern twist on the ‘girl next door’ character, enmeshing herself fittingly in this unconventional romantic story.

While the cast is undeniably one of the film’s strengths, it is the unique narrative style of Mark Nickelsburg that elevates the film further. Through the voiceover of Harry, we are privy to amusing and touching insights about the world around him. These infant insights and commentaries, deftly scripted by Mark Nickelsburg and Marty Weiss, form an intrinsic part of Harry Grows Up, providing a distinctive and entertaining core to the film. The audience is presented with a world observed from the unique viewpoint of a baby, shedding light on the absurdities and complexities of adult life and romantic pursuits.

Also notable in Harry Grows Up is the way Josh Hamilton's character tries to balance between mourning the loss of his wife, raising his son, and attempting to revive his romantic life. This exploration of the father’s character adds an emotional depth to the film without veering away from its light-heartedness. The director, Mark Nickelsburg, brilliantly uses humor as a lens through which his audience can experience and sympathize with the father's situation, transforming what could've been a sorrowful scenario into a hopeful and comedic narrative.

But what truly propels Harry Grows Up is the character of Harry himself. Instead of being mere background, he is positioned at the forefront of the story and, through his unique voice and perspective, provides a heartwarming exploration of adulthood from his crib. The way he perceives his environment and the adults around him adds an appealing layer of humor, innocence, and charm to the film.

Harry Grows Up is also visually stunning with superior cinematography that wonderfully captures New York City's beautiful urban scenery, streetscapes, and parks and makes them an integral part of the film. The city’s bustling energy and diverse architectural charm provide a perfect backdrop for the unusual coming-of-age story of baby Harry and his father's pursuit of new love.

Moreover, the film’s soundtrack and sound effects blend perfectly with the visual storytelling, reinforcing the characters' emotions and situations and making Harry Grows Up visually appealing and aurally compelling.

In conclusion, Harry Grows Up is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and compelling characters with an interesting twist. It is a heartfelt and engaging film that offers a fresh perspective on typical romantic comedies with its novel premise of adult pursuits shown through the eyes of a wise and witty toddler. It’s a film that is bound to touch hearts and tickle funny bones, a must-watch for those in search of a wonderfully unconventional cinematic tale.