“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close” is the type of film that leaves the viewer assessing the meaning of existence on several levels. It is, hands down, the movie of the year.

Sandra Bullock steps out of her prototypical romantic comedy-type roles and captivates consistently.

This is one of those movies that brings on the waterworks constantly. Shedding tears should be expected when watching this movie.

One thing that made this movie so interesting was that while it reminded viewers of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, it also served as a story of hope and redemption as a family affected by the loss of a loved one in the attack on the World Trade Center struggles to cope with the loss.

While Tom Hanks’ role in the film is brief, it is a very important one. He seems to be what people would consider to be the perfect father, which emotionally invests viewers even further.

The pain and grieving in this film is obvious and intense, but what appears to be very real pain is translated on the screen as the emotion is evident.

Told with flashbacks of life before the tragedy, the viewer has a very real insight into the relationship that the family had, and why coping is all the more difficult.

You almost forget that you are watching a movie as the general feeling is as if you are invested into the pain that is being expressed.

A top-notch film with top-notch performances, if there is one movie that you need to see, this is that film.