Alien at the Movies

Infinitely Polar Bear

This is not a sneak preview. This film has already released.

Set in 1978 Cambridge, this indie dramedy is about a mom who goes back to school in New York in order to earn a better living but must leave her two daughters with their manic depressant/bipolar father. This Hollywood sounding plot is actually based on the true story of writer/director Maya Forbes who casts her own daughter to play herself. Zoe Saldana is the mom trying desperately to do what's best for her kids. Mark Ruffalo is amazing as the mentally ill dad who dearly loves his kids but is prone to fits of rage when he becomes overwhelmed. The two girls are absolutely adorable and your heart will pour out for them as they must deal with their difficult dad. It is a good emotional roller coaster ride.

Alien gives it 3 "personal storytelling" stars out of 4.