donderdag 6 maart 2014

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 40: Hesher

Director: Spencer Susser
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Natalie Portman, Rainn Wilson, Devin Brochu, Piper Laurie

Description: The young TJ (Devin Brochu) has lost his mother and is losing touch with his father (Rainn Wilson) and the world around him. Then he meets Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who manages to make his life even more chaotic.

Review: Is there anything Joseph Gordon-Levitt can’t do? From a child star he grew to be one of the most diverse actors of his generation. In “Hesher” he portrays an asocial head banger with strange morals.
He pops into TJ’s life, who just lost his mother. TJ can’t share his grief with his dad, who has gone into a big depression ever since it happened. And his caring grandmother can’t help him either, because she is constantly confused. Why Hesher is there and what he’s doing, no one knows.
There are more movies about dealing with the loss of a loved one, but they are hardly ever as unconventional as “Hesher”. By adding this notable character, director Susser turns this film from a standard drama to a special and refreshing film. When you dig a bit deeper you can tell Hesher symbolizes death. TJ and his dad have to learn to deal with it and grandma is the only one who accepts it immediately.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt shows us again his qualities, because even as the strange Hesher he succeeds to convince everyone. Rainn Wilson was surprisingly touching, because he’s most known for his quirky role as Dwight Shrute in “The Office”. Piper Laurie was fantastic as grandma and Devon Brochu was mesmerizing. Natalie Portman was solid as always.
“Hesher” was lifted to its level by the cast, but the story loses his power toward the end. The debut of director Spencer Susser shows a lot of guts and he dares to be different.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

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