Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Now Available on DVD and Blu-Ray -- The Sessions, Starring Helen Hunt (Review)

Sessions DVD 024543831594 Front




Synopsis:

"ACADEMY AWARD® Winner Helen Hunt* joins ACADEMY AWARD® Nominees John Hawkes** and William H. Macy*** in this triumphant true story about love, sex, desire...and making every breath count.

Paralyzed and confined to an iron lung since childhood, poet-journalist Mark O’Brien (Hawkes) has overcome adversity time and time again. But now, at age 38, he faces his toughest challenge yet: losing his virginity. With the help of a beautiful therapist (Hunt), a sympathetic priest (Macy), and his own unbridled sense of optimism and humor, Mark embarks on an extraordinary personal journey to discover the wondrous pleasures that make life worth living."

*Actress, As Good As It Gets, 1997.
** Hawkes, Supporting Actor, Winter’s Bone, 2010;
***Macy, Supporting Actor, Fargo, 1996.
Special Features:

·         Theatrical Feature Blu-ray
·         John Hawkes becomes Mark O Brien
·         Helent Hunt as the Sex Surrogate
·         The Women Who Loved Mark O Brien
·         Deleted Scenes
·         Writer/Director Ben Lewin Finds Inspiration
·         A Session with the Cast
·         Ultraviolet Copy


The Sessions Blu-Ray
Street Date:                           February 12, 2013
Prebook Date:                       January 2, 2013
Screen Format:                      Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio:                                    English: 5.1 DTS-HD MA
 Spanish: 5.1 Dolby Digital
French: 5.1 Dolby Digital   
Subtitles:                               English/Spanish/French
U.S. Rating:                           R (Restricted Under 17)
Total Run Time:                    95 minutes
Closed Captioned:               Yes

The Sessions DVD
Street Date:                           February 12, 2013
Prebook Date:                       January 2, 2013
Screen Format:                      Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio:                                    English: 5.1 Dolby Digital
                                                Spanish: Dolby Surround
French: Dolby Surround    
Subtitles:                               English/Spanish/French
U.S. Rating:                           R (Restricted Under 17)
Total Run Time:                    95 minutes
Closed Captioned:               Yes

----

My Thoughts:


I have always been a fan of Helen Hunt, and loved her in Twister and Pay it Forward.  So, whenever there is a new movie with her in it, I make a point to see it.  Unfortunately, I was not able to see The Sessions, but had it on my list of movies to see once it became available on DVD and Blu-Ray. And, next week it releases on both, on Feb. 19th.  I was fortunate enough to be send a screener copy of this movie, which I received today.  Usually, I would wait until the weekend to watch adult movies, but have been eagerly waiting to see this movie, and ended up watching it tonight, once the girls went to bed. 

My husband was hesitant at first to watch this movie, after I explained the plot, saying, "Why would I want to see Helen Hunt get it on with a bed-ridden man?"  So, I started off watching the movie myself, as he did computer work next to me on the couch.  But, within the first fifteen minutes, he was hooked, and ended up watching the rest of the movie with me.  I can see why this film received so much buzz and award nomination talk, as it really is a great movie.  Even though the premise is about a bed-ridden man wanting to lose his virginity, the characters in this movie really make the film.  As you are introduced to each character, you can't help but be pulled into Mark's personal journey.  

This film is based on the true story of Mark O'Brien and does an amazing job as tackling sensitive subject matter.  I can't imagine how Mark had felt all those years being paralyzed, and then wanting to feel love and intimacy.  While many of us take it for granted, this man can only imagine what sex would feel like physically and emotionally.

In the film, William Macy plays a priest who guides Mark on his emotional journey, while Helen Hunt's character, Cheryl, a sex surrogate, who after a number of sessions from the sex therapist.  Yes, there are handful of nude scenes by Helen Hunt, but they are done tastefully and really add to the emotion of the movie. 

I will not ruin the ending for you, but will tell you that if you tear up at movies, you will want to grab a box of tissues.  I kept reaching for tissues during the last half of the movie.  This film is not one to be missed, and will really put at your heartstrings, as you are introduced to Mark O'Brien and follow him on his journey to lose his virginity (or not!).   So, if you are looking for a movie to watch this weekend, why not consider The Sessions. You will not be disappointed.



Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this movie from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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