Review of Hesher (2010) by Lane Z — 30 Sep 2011

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the only actor I can think of that has successfully gone from childhood tv star to adulthood film star. And he shows no sign of slowly down. Now Hesher is definitely not a film for everyone but it feels like everybody should see it.

It's really both funny and serious and a clever script nails it on both counts. From the first frame until the ending, there is not one dull moment and the cast is fabulous. The character Hesher is sort of not likable but the way that Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays him, with a Cary Grant twinkle in his eye and his tongue placed in his cheek, you can't help but cheer for this twisted metal head.

In his complete vulgarness and inappropriate deeds it strikes that part of the human spirit to just react to life with a middle finger that everybody feels they should do every now and then. He just lives his life by this philosophy.

The things he says and the stories he tells are crude on the surface but given a second thought from a step back and you see the beauty of the truth in their nature. Natalie Portman, playing a homely looser without self esteem.

She is so good you would never dream that this poor thing is a major movie star. Rainn Wilson gives a performance so far on the other side of the spectrum then what I have seen him in you feel like that is all he's ever done.

He plays a man that is so devastated by his recent loss that he hasn't really decided if he wants to keep on living or not. And reminds you that sometimes a great performance is done by what you don't show.

I wouldn't be surprised is awards aren't handed to him for this. Youngling Devin Brochu gives a damn good performance and almost could carry the movie by himself. A great job of directing by Spencer Susser is evident by the way he has molded this young actor, with very little experience, into a character who's pain you can feel.

And classy Piper Laurie plays the role of the grandmother who is slowly losing her marbles while doing all she can to keep the family together. The greatest thing about this movie though is the brutal truth combined with old school metal is brilliant.

There is not another drama out there like this and it's one that will remain with me for life.