HESHER: ONE NAME SAYS IT ALL

Some people only need one name: Cher, Maddonna, Sting. We're never really sure if it's his first or last name, but that's the least of concern in this highly original and quirky film. Hesher (gracefully played with robust by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) may be the exact opposite of Napoleon Dynamite. He is dirty, foul mouthed, preoccupied with pussies, smokes, drinks and likes to mess with people. Then he meets this kid, TJ (Devin Brochu). TJ just lost his mom in a car accident. His dad (Rainn Wilson) lies heavily medicated in his pajamas on the sofa all day, drifting in and out of consciousness. They have moved in with TJ's grandma for the time being and let's just say that the kid is having a hard time. Mind you, this is no Lifetime movie of the week. Hesher accidentally gets run out of his makeshift home by TJ so he decides to move in with him, threatening death and disembowelment if he makes any fuss. Hesher does not joke around. Oddly enough, the family accepts him and soon after, he accepts them too. It's one of the most interesting group of characters I've seen in a real life situation. Hesher keeps them all guessing, but toward the end of the movie we see him shift, if only slightly. In fact everyone shifts and despite all the violence and anger and grief, everything turns out the way it should. It's appropriate. I must admit going for a walk with grandma was quite touching. Gordon-Levitt really outshines himself and pushes outside the box. It kept my attention and was different. I like it a lot.