Review of Hesher (2010) by Jenny K — 28 Oct 2011

I will give this film credit for taking a conventional, breaking out of grief storyline, and turning it on its head, especially by way of a lack of sentimentality. But, in turn, it doesn't do a very good job of setting up its story, actually more-so how the story maneuvers once Hesher's been introduced.

It has all the plot points of a boy growing up, understanding himself, especially in light of recent tragic events, but somehow the film never connects Hesher to this boy's life quite the way it envisions it should.

Still, it's amazing to watch someone like Gordon-Levitt just play with a bag full of tricks in playing this Hesher character; some honest moments from Rainn Wilson and Piper Laurie as the grandmother stand out, as well.

I wanted it to be more than what it was.