This independent movie garnered many positive reviews, primarily for Ryan Gosling's performance as a caring teacher by day, raging drug fiend by night. He was good, but I could never get past the fact that he in no way could have ever held a job given how far gone he was, which is a shame because so many of the other elements are excellent. Nonetheless, it is a movie worth seeing if you enjoy good drama.

This independent movie garnered many positive reviews, primarily for Ryan Gosling's performance as a caring teacher by day, raging drug fiend by night. He was good, but I could never get past the fact that he in no way could have ever held a job given how far gone he was, which is a shame because so many of the other elements are excellent. Nonetheless, it is a movie worth seeing if you enjoy good drama.

I'm a bit of a nut about seeing as many Oscar-nominated films as possible. So I rented "Half Nelson" because Gosling is nominated for best actor. Unfortunately, I rented it without knowing the story. I have difficulty watching drug addiction played out on screen, just a personal preference for me. I got about 10 minutes into it, and then I wrapped it up and sent it back.

From what little I saw, Gosling did a fine job.