Director Jim Sheridan hasn't made a movie since The Boxer, his 1997 collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis. In America is something of a departure for the film maker--much smaller in scale than his last few efforts and also a film that's very sweet in tone.

In the charming character study, Paddy Considine plays an Irish actor who decides to move his wife and two little girls to America. Adjusting to a new world proves to be difficult -- one, because of the squalid part of New York City that they settle in, and two, because of a tragic incident that he and his wife (played by Samantha Morton), must cope with.

In America isn't a film that's driven by a strong plotline. Sheridan is much more interested in focusing on this family's mental and physical journey towards a new life. Much of the film left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. There's a great scene in which we witness Considine's youngest daughter react to seeing E.T. Seeing the diminutive alien vicariously through the eyes of this child was a wonderfully poignant touch and it was almost like discovering the Spielberg classic for the first time. A fitting homage to this brilliant slice of Americana.

There are also emotionally strong moments between the two young girls and their somewhat misunderstood neighbor (played by Djimon Hounsou), a sort of noisy version of Boo Radley.

One of the films' major story lines was all too real for me. It dealt with circumstances that my wife and I have experienced first hand, concerning the terrible fragility of human life. And while the resolution to this particular scenario was a little over-the-top, I was certainly moved by it nonetheless.

In America could have easily fell apart. At times, it is overly sentimental, but the cast is so strong, that they transcend the sentimentality, bringing sheer, emotional power to scenes that we can all identify with.

Considine is most certainly an actor to watch for. His inner struggle comes across convincingly, and his love for family equally genuine. Morton (coming off a fantastically underrated turn in Minority Report) excels as Considine's wife. She is a joy to watch--bringing sweetness and vulnerability to the role of this sad, yet strong woman. Hounsou continues to be a singularly electric screen presence, bringing an energy and passion to his role of a man who cherishes life. In the end, it is young Sarah and Emma Bolger (real life sisters) who really bring the movie to life with their charm and innocence. They're cute and smart and have a keen sense of timing.

Mr. Sheridan's direction is impeccable. He has set the stage for a series of really strong performances. He allows these actors to do their thing, and In America shines as a result. I also admired the lack of cynicism in this picture. There aren't any drug addiction sub plots or any violent muggings. This is a story about a real family with real problems who are able to move forward because of their genuine love for one another. Even when Considine and Morton aren't speaking, I never once doubted there love for each other. This is a movie about the power of family.

As I stated earlier, In America is certainly sentimental--but there is no cheap contrivance to it. Sheridan manages to walk this slippery path without using his sentimental subject matter as a ploy or device. In America rings loud and true and carries it's big heart with remarkable grace.