Justin Timberlake's 'Palmer' showcases the north shore, in a sweet film with a big heart (2024)

I would say, “Stop me if you’ve heard this one before,” but you’ve almost certainly heard this one before:

A precocious child saves a troubled adult merely by being himself or herself and, in the process, providing some much-needed perspective — and an equally needed chance at personal growth.

It’s a theme that’s been revisited time and again, from “Little Miss Sunshine” to “St. Vincent” to “Home Alone.” Now, it gets the treatment once more in Justin Timberlake’s Louisiana-shot “Palmer,” which filmed on the north shore in late 2019 and arrives Friday, Jan. 29, on Apple TV+.

But just because we’ve heard variations on the same theme before doesn’t automatically sink it. After all, prevailing wisdom holds that every story ever told essentially adheres to one of just seven basic plots.

The important thing is how well it fills in the blanks.

In the case of “Palmer,” which is helmed by actor-director Fisher Stevens, it does it just nicely enough — with a boatload of good intentions to go along with it — to make for enjoyable if low-calorie viewing.

In other words: You can expect to enjoy “Palmer” while you’re watching it, although it probably won’t stick to your ribs long after the credits have rolled.

Timberlake, of course, is the star, playing a washed-up former LSU football player named Palmer who — after a 12-year stint in the hoosegow — returns to his speck of a hometown determined to start his life fresh.

For the record, that hometown is the fictional Sylvain in St. James Parish. In actuality, “Palmer” spent much of its time shooting on the north shore, primarily in Tangipahoa Parish.

Consequently, eagle-eyed viewers will be able to spot a fair bit of local scenery. That starts within the film’s first two minutes, when they catch a glimpse of a “John Bel Edwards for Governor” banner. From there, if they watch closely, they’ll see everything from Benny’s Place and Tangi Lanes in Hammond to the train tracks in downtown Ponchatoula and Pete’s Pharmacy in Independence.

Local actors including Lance Nichols and John “Spud” McConnell also make appearances, which is always a fun bonus.

Not long after he arrives home, the gruff and embittered Palmer enters the orbit of the precocious kid who serves as this particular story’s narrative catalyst, an 8-year-old named Sam (newcomer Ryder Allen), who, despite coming from an exceedingly broken home, is an absolute ray of sunshine.

Unfortunately, young Sam’s propensity to play with dolls, wear barrettes in his hair and dress like a princess at Halloween has the less-evolved residents of Sylvain clucking their tongues and giggling — and sometimes worse.

Palmer’s not quite sure what to make of it, either. But when he ends up as the accidental guardian of Sam, he begins to find not just a measure of purpose but a shot at redemption.

Along the way, Timberlake delivers an admirably understated performance. He’s at the center of nearly every scene, but he plays Palmer as strong, silent and stoic. While his co-stars — including Allen, Juno Temple and June Squibb — all get juicy, flashy moments, Timberlake seems entirely satisfied standing back for most of the film and letting them enjoy the spotlight.

That sort of lack of ego is hard to come by in Hollywood. It’s also what helps actors consistently score bigger and better roles. Regardless of how large of an audience it draws, consider “Palmer” a win for Timberlake.

Conversely, and somewhat predictably, screenwriter Cheryl Guerriero’s screenplay isn’t above devolving into melodrama in its third act. Tears are shed. Teeth are gnashed. Faces are deservingly punched.

That’s just the kind of film this is.

Still, it’s hard to hold any of that against it. “Palmer” is a tiny film, but it’s got a big heart, and that helps make it a pleasant and uplifting diversion at a time when many of us could use one.

Mike Scott can be contacted at moviegoermike@gmail.com.

PALMER

2.5 stars, out of 4

CAST:Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allen, Juno Temple, June Squibb, Alisha Wainwright, Lance E. Nichols, John “Spud” McConnell.

DIRECTOR:Fisher Stevens.

MPAA RATING:R, for language, some sexual content/nudity and brief violence.

TIME:1 hour 51 minutes.

WHEN AND WHERE:Begins streaming Friday (Jan. 29) on Apple TV+.