Based on “The Red Balloon,” the Academy Award-winning 1956 short by Albert Lamorisse, “Flight of the Red Balloon” received its own critical praise when it toured the film festival circuit earlier this year. Directed by Hsiao-hsien Hou, the indie picture was praised for its imaginative story and the solid performance of the wonderfully talented Juliette Binoche. Additionally, “Flight of the Red Balloon” is due some credit for the way it was shot, as Hou manages to highlight the wonders of Paris through the eyes of a young child. That should be where the accolades stop, though. Most art house junkies will find the flick stimulating, but it takes a tremendous amount of patience to pull something lasting from “Flight of the Red Balloon.” The film meanders through the boring lives of a troubled mother (Binoche), her son (Simon Iteanu) and a nanny (Fang Song), as they tend to their daily chores. At 115 minutes, it’s a long wait for a final payoff that never arrives. In the meantime, a red balloon circles the son for some attention. When he finally lays his eyes on the balloon, the credits roll forward. Surely, a lot of symbolism can be drawn from the balloon and its travels, but who really has the time? Special features aren’t available on the DVD. Unrated; 2008. Our Take: 2 Stars.

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