Reviewers and critics that love One Week all say the same thing "a beautiful piece of art", "perfectly Canadian", "the best piece of Canadian film ever made." Some of these reviews are a little over the top in my opinion. The film is absolutely worth seeing, it is touching and emotional and a great adventure in the same vein as perhaps a coming of age movie only for a twenty something man with a terminal illness. Canadians have this habit of immediately embracing and heaping praise on anything that tries to be completely Canadian and if that was the only requirement, One Week would be one of the greatest films ever made, but I review my films based on entertainment, and direction, and the overall style of the movie and not just what it tries to do. One Week will touch you and the story is terrific in a very subtle way. It won't blow your mind or really truly floor you but it's just touching enough to entertain. The perfect movie to relax too that just about any adult can enjoy because of the character involved and if you're Canadian you will no doubt appreciate the Canadian touch.
I have always liked Joshua Jackson, from his Dawson Creek days to some other terrific films he has done since (watch the Horror gem Shutter.) Jackson is absolutely perfect for this role as the suddenly thrust into a life turned upside down by news of his terminal illness. There is something very subtle, emotional and deeply contemplative about his character. He makes the story even more watchable. I hope he gets a really significant break through in his career. His fiancé is played by Liane Balaban. I really am not sure what her character is supposed to be like. From first glance she seems to be a whiny, self involved girl who wants nothing more than to control her suddenly wayward fiancé. You feel very little sympathy for her being that you will connect to Jackson's character so much more. Their chemistry is non existent and she is only there to give Jackson's character something to contemplate and leave. The narration for the story really does carry the plot very well and helps move the story along. The narrator is deep voiced Campbell Scott and does a great job. The supporting cast that he comes across all do a good job but matter very little in the grand scheme of things as no one gets enough screen time nor stands out in any way.
Canadian director Michael McGowan is sure to get a lot of acclaim for his work on this film. The movie is just chock full of all things Canadian including the much talked about "cameo" by the Stanley Cup which Jackson gets to kiss which few ever do unless they win it. Beautiful Canadian landscape and a decent story. But the film gets most of it's weight from that Canadian content and that doesn't necessarily make it the perfect film for everyone. Certainly it will leave a lasting mark on Canadian film and I think any person will enjoy it but don't expect it to really blow you away. The ending is rather abrupt although it's not like you don't see it coming. I just looked for a more moving ending I suppose. Still worth a rent for certain. 7.5/10
I have always liked Joshua Jackson, from his Dawson Creek days to some other terrific films he has done since (watch the Horror gem Shutter.) Jackson is absolutely perfect for this role as the suddenly thrust into a life turned upside down by news of his terminal illness. There is something very subtle, emotional and deeply contemplative about his character. He makes the story even more watchable. I hope he gets a really significant break through in his career. His fiancé is played by Liane Balaban. I really am not sure what her character is supposed to be like. From first glance she seems to be a whiny, self involved girl who wants nothing more than to control her suddenly wayward fiancé. You feel very little sympathy for her being that you will connect to Jackson's character so much more. Their chemistry is non existent and she is only there to give Jackson's character something to contemplate and leave. The narration for the story really does carry the plot very well and helps move the story along. The narrator is deep voiced Campbell Scott and does a great job. The supporting cast that he comes across all do a good job but matter very little in the grand scheme of things as no one gets enough screen time nor stands out in any way.
Canadian director Michael McGowan is sure to get a lot of acclaim for his work on this film. The movie is just chock full of all things Canadian including the much talked about "cameo" by the Stanley Cup which Jackson gets to kiss which few ever do unless they win it. Beautiful Canadian landscape and a decent story. But the film gets most of it's weight from that Canadian content and that doesn't necessarily make it the perfect film for everyone. Certainly it will leave a lasting mark on Canadian film and I think any person will enjoy it but don't expect it to really blow you away. The ending is rather abrupt although it's not like you don't see it coming. I just looked for a more moving ending I suppose. Still worth a rent for certain. 7.5/10