Young English Ben Tyler (Joshua Jackson)’s ordinary existence is completely shaken when he learns that he has cancer, stage 4. He feels that he has done nothing worthwhile with his life. His job, his unpublished novel, family and fiancé Sam (Liane Balaban) lose their importance in retrospect. He decides that if he is going to become hospitalized – with only %10 chance to live-, he’d rather take a fun cross-country trip on his motorcycle.
With the help of the narrator (Campbell Scott), we witness Ben’s present journey, as well as his past with flashbacks. He tries to make of his last healthy moments while he evaluates his life.
What could have easily ended up as a boring film, has become a fun yet bittersweet adventure. Sure, on the surface, there is nothing original about Ben. Or his trip. But the fun story-telling, beautiful music & gorgeous Canadian countryside, as well as Jackson’s wonderfully apt performance, it is a movie worth watching. It is not a must, by any means. But it is a good experience if you choose to have it.
Written and directed by Canadian Michael McGowan, set in Canada and starring Canadian star Joshua Jackson, this is one Canadian effort. The only American thing about the film might be narrator Campbell Scott.
On an interesting note, Campbell Scott’s most famous role was as a cancer patient in 1991’s Dying Young- starring him and Julia Roberts. Currently 7.2 on IMDB. Worth seeing.
Also on Joshua Jackson:
Gossip starring James Marsden, Lena Headey, Norman Reedus, Joshua Jackson & Kate Hudson
Cursed starring Christina Ricci, Joshua Jackson & Jesse Eisenberg
Fringe starring Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv & John Noble
Fringe Trivia: 13 Facts About Fringe Cast, Crew, Plot Feat. Joshua Jackson, Anna Torv, Mark Valley…
The Shadow Dancer starring Joshua Jackson, Claire Forlani and Harvey Keitel