Review of Wilson (2017) by Susan W — 26 Mar 2017

I just saw this rather lovely movie and I am surprised -- no, make that shocked -- bu the poor reviews. With trump in the White House and paul ryan spreading hatred for whatever reason he might have, I chose this movie on the strength of the trailer, which only showed the guffaw moments. I needed cheering up.

I recognized that Wilson was a role only Woody Harrelson could have played. But, after 10 minutes into the film, the last word I would use to describe the titular character is grump. Wilson is an optimist. Granted, he is not an optimist on the same wave length as Luke Skywalker. "There is good in you, father!" But, he believes in humanity. He believes we can all make ourselves be better than we are. He longs for the connection he had -- even if it is simply what he imagined he had -- with his mother.

When the death of his father -- with whom he had a less than warm and fuzzy relationship with -- brings Wilson's loneliness to the surface, he begins to move toward relieving that loneliness. He realizes that nearly 20 years have gone by since his divorce and that he is the only person who can save himself.

His methods are bizarre but the results are more than a middle-aged, single man, living in dump, whose only company is his dog, could hope for.

I don't wish to present a spoiler, but, even Wilson's stint in jail benefits him.

I have a suggestion that some might feel is bizarre. I would recommend that high school teachers take their senior English classes to this movie and then have them write essays about it. The essays would then be followed by a class discussion. A class discussion??? Yes, that antiquated method of teaching that just might prevent the kids in the class from going into remedial English in college.

Oh my! I guess I picked up something from Wilson!