Just when you think the entire "Inspirational Inner-city Teacher/Student" film genre has hopped on it's last leg, Ryan Fleck's Half Nelson appears to revitalize it. In this case it's not only the student, but also the teacher reaching a turning point in their life.  Ryan Gosling plays a teacher with a cocaine addiction, that is walking a thin line of losing everything, while Shareeka Epps plays the student facing a difficult crossroads herself. What plays out is an interesting character study mixed with political poignancy about how great change and history happens.

You may or may not be overblown by the story, but one thing that everyone will notice is the outstanding performances. Gosling and Epps are fantastic in this film, and it's their strong performances that really carry this film to great heights. Gosling's oscar nom is well deserved. So make sure to check this little film out when you have a chance, it may be light on structure but it's full of heart. The kick ass, mostly Broken Social Scene, soundtrack helps too.

8.2/10.0