Half Nelson

2006. Directed by Ryan Fleck. Written by Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden. Starring Ryan Gosling and Shareeka Epps.


Half Nelson is a solid film about a teacher who just can't kick cocaine. He has good ideas, even good intentions. He gets by, but he is operating at about half his potential. One of his students figures him out pretty quickly. Ryan Gosling earned an Oscar nomination for his performance and it is a very good one. It is not a showy performance but one that shows how drugs take their toll on your body and your mind.

My grade: B