The Sessions, a hidden gem

Buy it on DVD/Bluray February 12, 2013

Good morning readers!

I just wanted to take a moment to do a (not-so) quick post about this incredible movie I watched last night. The Sessions, starring John Hawkes, Hellen Hunt, and William H. Macy. It's a film (a true story by the way) about a man named Mark O'Brien, who was striken with Polio as a child and whose muscles are essentially paralyzed from the neck down. To make a long story short, he eventually begins seeing a sex surrogate to guide him through the process of, well, becoming a man.

I know it sounds borderline ridiculous, but it's actually quite a great film. The relationships explored between Mark (Hawkes) and his surrogate Cheryl (Hunt), attendants, and priest (Macy) are brilliantly depicted and developed. Plus, believe it or not, the story is nothing short of inspirational. I don't want to give too much away, because I truly believe this is a must see.

A few quick notes however.

1. If you are asking yourself, "I wonder what the difference between a sex surrogate and a prostitute is?" The answer is, not much. Hellen Hunt's character attempts explaining the difference in the film, but really, it's kind of weak. Truth is, she's just a super classy prostitute. Picture Julia Roberts in pretty woman, towards the end of her stint with Gere (you know, when she's all classed out and fancy), and add a college education, simple therapy tactics, a tape recorder, and about 25 years.

2. Ladies, be warned, there is a bit more than a fair share of nudity in this one, and it's pretty much all Hellen Hunt. However, we must give credit where credit is due. Hellen is roughly 50 years old (in real life), her face is about 58 +/-, but good for her, because truth be told, the body is still only 32! She looks fantastic, and be at ease, the nudity is very much in context and gracefully done. There are a few "graphic" moments, but nothing too in your face (well except the scene where she is all up in his face). So, if you're weird about sex, maybe stay away, but trust me, you'd be missing out on an incredible story.

3. Lastly, the ending felt a little rushed and unsatisfying. The movie spans roughly 11 years from what I gathered, but 7/8 of the film all take place in 1988, and then, slam, you've flex capacitored your way to the future, where of course we don't need roads, but I'd like an explanation of how we got there. But it's a small price to pay for a great story, greater characters, and greaterest bumpin physiques.

Anyways, I hope this helps, and makes you want to see it. The DVD/Bluray releases on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, and trust me, you won't regret it.

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Thanks for reading all!

- Franc