Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is extremely touching and incredibly bold.

The movie is based on the novel written by Jonathan Safran Foer in which a young boy named Oskar (Thomas Horn) goes on a lengthy journey after his father (Tom Hanks) passes away in the 9/11 attacks. Oskar and his father were very close and he believes his father has hidden a message for him somewhere in the New York City.

Oskar, who refuses to believe in anything that can’t be explained logically, begins his expedition when he finds a key in his father’s closet. He travels throughout New York searching for any lock the key might fit hoping he will grow closer to his father. While he develops a greater understanding of those around him he only grows further from his mother (Sandra Bullock).

His journey leads him to a stranger’s homes where all he has to do is explain his father died in 9/11 and nearly every New Yorker welcomes him in to listen to his story.

Some critics have said it exploits 9/11 but it’s more than just an emotional plot point for the movie; it becomes a character and the driving force behind Oskar’s need to make sense of something that simply can’t be understood.

Horn, who won Jeopardy! during Kid’s Week, had his acting debut with this film. Though he does an excellent job capturing the oddness, smarts and slightly autistic traits of his character, some of the more emotional scenes suffer. He often seems confident or arrogant when he should be coming across as scared or upset.

Overall, this Oscar nominee has produced a mixed bag of reviews.