Gordon-Levitt is a talented actor, but, as Hesher, he is slightly show-offy and one-note, even if he’s trying desperately to succeed in a role no one would have most likely cast him in. Natalie Portman pops up as a local grocery cash register in a brief role. Wilson does a decent job of playing depressed well.
Hesher is worth a look if you’re trying to get artier films in before the blockbuster smorgasbord that is the next couple of months, but don’t expect it to get all deep and profound on you—it really is about a dude who loves porn, beer, Metallica, and lighting shit on fire.
--Darcie Duttweiler