Review of One Week (2008) by Dave A — 06 Mar 2009

A very delightful, warm and engaging movie, beautifully narrated by Campbell Scott. Joshua Jackson plays Ben Tyler, a young man whom upon discovering he has Stage 4 cancer, decides to go on a quest to find the mythical creature Grumps his father created for his son in his childhood. Of course, Grumps could be interpreted as a metaphor for some sort of elusive tranquility and happiness of the soul, something so elusive and rare that it takes a journey of self-discovery to find it.

Although the trip takes a wrong turn when his fiancé Samantha flies all the way to Alberta to confront Ben and bring him home, the eventful encounter pushes Ben to accept the fact that he does not love her, and that she was merely his "fall back" plan. A very sad realization in a life full of love and support, Ben comes clean about his life's ambitions to soon-to-be ex-fiancé, and the moment is truly heart-breaking. Nevertheless, Ben finally comes home a new person, with a nice cross-country cab fee!!!

One Week is wonderfully-written, beautifully-acted and has a great Canadian soundtrack! Campbell Scott is endearing and funny as the narrator of Ben's story *hint* and all the performances hit their mark. Even the cameo appearance of Gord Downie (Tragically Hip!!) is a nice guy-to-guy heartfelt talk about love!! I was hooked from the start, although I wish the ending had a greater impact. A great Canadian tourist showcase of how awesome our country truly is!!! lol.