Random Netflix Movie #5: Numb

I usually tend to watch these Random Netflix Movies when I have a brief amount of time on my hands, therefore they tend to run within the 90 minute range. So, I am almost always browsing the comedy section - most comedies can usually be told with 90 minutes.

So, I happened upon this movie called Numb starring Matthew Perry. I have been a huge fan of Perry for awhile, heightened of course by his portrayal as Chandler on Friends. So when seeing him in a starring role for a film, I thought I would check it out - heck it was also in the comedy section.

Well, I have to say that Netflix really got their labels wrong on this one. Perhaps they saw Perry in a film, and much like me, assumed it must be a comedy. But, I didn't really laugh during this film - it's premise was definitely more on the drama side.

Hudson (Perry) has lost touch with reality. He is diagnosed with depersonalization (quick definition: Depersonalization (or depersonalisation) is an 'alteration' in the perception or experience of the self so that one feels 'detached' from, and as if one is an 'outside' observer of, one's mental processes or body.)

Throughout the film he is desperately trying to find a cure for this ailment. He is a 'writer' along with his partner Tom (Kevin Pollack) - Hudson, as he later describes, is not really the writer, but the bullshitter when it comes time to pitch Tom's ideas to companies. During a pitch, he meets Sara (Lynn Collins) and is somewhat, but not completely, brought out of his head and into reality. They form a quick bond and soon are a couple. Despite still suffering from his ailment, Hudson asks Sara to marry him - and her reaction is to wait until he is fixed. But, he doesn't believe he is ever going to be fixed, and in order to ease her out of loving him, he sabotages the relationship.

After a string of therapists, including a cognitive specialist named Dr. Cheryl Blaine (Mary Steenburgen), with whom he has a sexual relationship with, and she becomes attached to him - Hudson realizes there might be no hope.

The only true stability in Hudson's life has been his father. His mother was distant, and his older brother hardly had anything to do with him - but his father was always there for him, and always comforted him. Hudson had always been afraid to talk about his father and death, in fear of losing him. But it wasn't until his father did die that he started to take charge of his disease (that and his arrest for stealing shoes).

Hudson was able to track down Sara at a video store and confessed his true feelings to her, telling her that he would love her for ever no matter what, but it would be nicer with her in the picture.

This movie had sort of a Garden State feel to it. Zach Braff's character in Garden State was also a highly medicated person, who had no real connection with the outside world - he too was always inside of his own head. And it was a girl that helped him figure things out in the end.

Although I went into the movie expecting a comedy, I wasn't totally disappointed. I felt Perry did a pretty nice job in the film, and although I am not really familiar with Collins, she too was pretty decent. I give the film a 3/5. Although, I would recommend Garden State ahead of this one.

Newsworthy Notes: I plan on revamping my grading process a little bit. I am a frequent visitor to the blog of Random Ramblings of a Demented Doorknob and I like the way he has his ratings setup (as long as he doesn't mind of course). I will try and figure out my own little way of using movie quotes to rate the movies, though.

Another blog should be out today, if I have time, documenting my wonderful weekend. So check back if you wish.