Half Nelson (2006)

Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling) is a gifted teacher, one of those guys who really connects with his students because he likes them and believes in what he's teaching. He's also got a drug problem, and when one of his students catches him wielding his crack pipe they become entangled in each other's lives. Good deal.

Alright, that sounds a little ridiculous, I guess: "He's an inspiring educator...with a crack problem! Can he help his student and himself??" But it's really not. I mean, white teacher in urban school has been done to death -- but, thankfully, this one doesn't follow the formula. It's moving without feeling sappy.

Gosling is my pick for this year's Best Actor. He takes a quiet role and conveys so much with minimal movement.

A-