‘The Children Act’ has Oscar Performances with Bland Storytelling

It’s that time of year again. Summer has ended, and the movies coming out start focusing on the Oscar season. The movies slow down, become methodical, and really put an emphasis on acting. The Children Act is the epitome of that train of thought. It really feels like it’s trying to make sure the Academy notices it so when the time rolls around it’ll be considered. The acting is great and emotional, but the problem is the story itself. While having some great ideas, it doesn’t all mesh together great.

“We all make choices. Hers make history.” The Children Act, directed by Richard Eyre and based on the book of the same name written by Ian McEwan, stars Emma Thompson as High Court Judge Fiona Maye. A hard-working Judge in London, Fiona has worked for her career and paid the price for it in her personal life and marriage. She is asked to rule over a controversial case involving 17 year old Adam Henry (Fionn Whitehead) who is suffering from leukemia. The doctors believe they can save his life with a blood transfusion; however, he and his parents are Jehovah’s Witnesses and believe receiving the transfusion goes against their religious beliefs. Since Adam is still 17, he is considered a minor, and Fiona has to decide what is best for the minor and whether or not she will force the transfusion to happen. The acting really is top notch here, and it’s the best part of this film. The subtleties delivered in each line, the way characters would just sit there and take each other in ful…