Parents' Guide to Midsummer in Newtown

Though it's not exactly cutting-edge journalism or thought-provoking commentary, this deeply moving documentary takes a tender, humble approach to a community's suffering and its attempts at healing. Midsummer in Newtown doesn't try to shock with gory details or bloody reenactments of the shooting; whenever it's discussed, it's done so discreetly. One parent mentions the name of the shooter, but she does so while wondering about his suffering and voicing her hopes of preventing the suffering of future children.

Director Lloyd Kramer has good luck with the plucky young performers he chooses to highlight; they almost literally blossom while on stage (and on camera) -- and when the show is over, their sadness is palpable. The movie also follows Grammy-nominated jazz musician Greene as he works out the grief over his lost daughter through music, while his wife, Márquez-Greene, turns to public speaking and activism. Although the film seriously overdoes the treacly piano music, this is a winning, heartwarming, hopeful achievement. Nevertheless, the horrific nature of the subject matter alone is probably too much for younger viewers.