Half Nelson

On my continuing quest to review the best films of the year, Half Nelson cannot be overlooked. While this is indeed a small, independent story about people trying to overcome their holdups in life, whether addiction or family problems, this film hits every note perfectly. This is what movies can and should be. Stories of real (types of) people, struggling but overcoming, even if it is only one small hurdle at a time.

Since Ryan Gosling broke out with his role in The Believer, critics have taken notice of him. But it wasn't until his 2004 role in The Notebook that the general public recognized him. But even with that hit on his hands, he still takes on roles that challenge him. Stay is another example of that. He embodies the characters he plays until you think you're just watching a documentary about a real person. That's acting. If Gosling is not at least nominated by the Academy early next year for his performance here, it will be the final straw. I will finally agree with the majority that there is no justice with the Oscars and it is purely a political game. The optimist side of me wants to believe otherwise, that the Oscars are there to truly rewards the best of the year, but if Ryan isn't there, I just won't be able to believe that any longer. He gives the best male acting performance of the year without comparison. I was moved beyond explanation by his performance and left the theatre smiling, hopeful for the human race.

This is not your typical Hollywood film. It's a realistic story about a teacher and one of his female students (played wonderfully by Shareeka Epps) who form a true friendship. They are people that actually desire the best for one another and do all they can, in their own small and unspoken ways, to help each other.

Buy Half Nelson as soon as it's made available on DVD. It is the second best film of 2006 (thus far) and I cannot recommend it enough. It will move you, empower you, give you hope... all human responses too rare to pass up. After watching and rewatching this movie, you'll realize the truth: that your glass is actually Half full.

The bottom line: Rewatchable