chas437

This film couldn't and wouldn't have been made in any other time that the 2020s. People 20 years ago wouldn't know what to make of it or even understand it. That's a sad truth about the times we live in.

Bredan Fraser is very good as is the entire cast. It's a competently made film. But how are we able to sympathize with the protagonist?

He's a failure in all aspects of life, He's abandoned his family. He's a shameless glutton. He weighs so much that he's house bound. While one might feel bad for the suffering he's brought on himself, are we not to judge him and judge him harshly? Are we really meant to share and admire his "redemption"?

I just can't. Maybe that's my problem, but I doubt I'm alone. We live in a time where people aren't to be judged or criticized in any way no matter what they've done. They deserve our empathy. And acceptance. Our obese protagonist must be some sort of victim. What other explanation could there be?

In a scent late in the film, he implores his students to write something honest. One student writes something to the effect that 'I'm worried my life will be boring'. Charlie is pleased with the student's candor, This film is gaslighting its audience. So meta 2022!

Brigette Bako in 1992 was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. She's a decent actress as well but this script is a dud. I've watched film twice and I still can't figure out why the main character is suicidal. We see glimpses of erratic behavior, but it doesn't add up.

David Duchovny is competent as usual but again very little to work with. The rest of the cast is mediocre.

Briggete Bako deserved a much better career, she was better than the typical 90's B movie sex pots. She has an elegance about her that could've been used to better effect by better directors and better scripts. Too bad.