We are introduced to Charlie, an obese online teacher, who is spending his last few days on this mortal coil, and in those last few days he seeks to reconnect with his Daughter, who he has been estranged from since leaving both her and her Mother for one of his male Students some years earlier.
Given his size, he is housebound, and struggles to most everyday tasks for himself. He does have a Carer, who visits him daily, and she is the Sister of his former male Partner. She is doing her best to keep him alive, but clearly Charlie has a plan.
Ellie is a very troubled teen, in fact that is beinbg polite. I would almost describe her as loathsome, and if I were Charlie, I would want to keep as far away from her a possible, but being the kind hearted soul that he is, he sees the good in everyone and everything.
Also coming into the mix is Latter day Saint Thomas, who is trying to convey that a better World is going to be forthcoming, etc etc. Quite frankly I am not sure of what purpose his character serves, although well played by Ty Simpkins. Sadie Sink is equally as good as his repugnant Daughter.
The relationship between Charlie and his Carer Liz is well done, with great work from both Fraser and Hong Chau. You can clearly see the love between, and the love that she knows he still has for his former Partner and her Brother. I had expected to be an emotional wreck by the end of the film, and I wasn't. I would say it is a very good film, but not truly exceptional. But what is at the heart of the film is a phenomenal performance from Brendan Fraser as Charlie. People talk about this resurgence in his career, and that it is a once in a lifetime performance. But he has always had this level of performance in him. Go and check some of his earlier great work on films like "School Ties", "With Honors" and of course his role as the love interest of Sir Ian McKellen in "Gods And Monsters".
The performance is truly amazing, as is the make-up used to bring Charlie and his obsesity to life. There is much talk of an Oscar, and yes I would be delighted to see him win. Whether he will do so is another matter, we shall see next month......8 out of 10
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