Michael J. Fox, born Michael Andrew Fox on June 9, 1961, is a famous Canadian-American actor and activist. He is originally from Alberta, Canada. Fox received his high school degree from Burnaby Central Secondary School and began a career as an actor by starring in “Leo and Me,” a Canadian TV series. He then moved to Los Angeles, US, to further his acting career.
Fox debuted in the American film industry through the movie “Letters from Frank.” Fox won multiple awards during his career, including five Emmy Awards, a Grammy, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. Beyond his acting endeavors, Fox also worked as a voice artist in the leading roles in Stuart Little films. Fox disclosed the unfortunate news as he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1998.
In 2000, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure and fund the research. He earned the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2022 from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for his hard work.
The highly anticipated documentary “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” is now available for viewers on Apple TV. The documentary portrays the life of the beloved actor, highlighting his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Directed by Davis Guggenheim, the film has solidified its status as one of the year’s best-reviewed movies thus far.
It had over 100 positive reviews. In “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” Michael J. Fox captures audiences with his empathetic and honest actions. Despite his struggles with Parkinson’s disease, Fox’s positivity and passion remained, as evident in Guggenheim’s documentary.
The Plot:
The film showcases Fox’s family life, his remarkable achievements in the movie industry, and his journey since the diagnosis, providing one of the most heart-touching stories of the year in the form of a documentary. Davis Guggenheim ambitiously depicts Fox’s life, yet always maintaining an undeniable emotional impact. The documentary takes viewers on a nostalgic journey to Fox’s childhood in Canada, where he was often the most petite student in the class. It follows his popularity rise during the 1980s through iconic TV shows like “Family Ties” and blockbuster hits like “Back to the Future.”
The film explores his battle with alcoholism and his enduring struggle with Parkinson’s disease. The director excels in showcasing intimate relationships and heartwarming moments between Fox and his wife and children. Critics have applauded the fact that Fox was able to speak for himself in the documentary. Fox’s candid jokes about his bouts with Parkinson’s while witnessing his struggles with the disease was an emotional roller coaster ride for the audience.
His determination to regain control of his body by working with physical therapists and even picking himself up after falling on a New York City sidewalk is remarkable. Moments like this create a powerful connection with viewers, emphasizing Fox’s unwavering spirit.
Movie with the best reviews:
“Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie” combines Fox’s insightful interviews, captivating clips from his illustrious acting career, engaging narrations, and skillful re-enactments. Guggenheim’s cinematic approach gives an intimate yet visually stunning experience.
One such example from the film is where the director cleverly incorporates clips that capture significant moments when Fox discusses his hectic schedule, shuttling between “Family Ties” and “Back to the Future.” The editing skills and excellent soundtrack by artists like INXS, Beastie Boys, and Kenny Loggins spiked the movie experience.
The heartwarming aspects of “Still” offer a fascinating and humorous dual portrait of Fox’s Hollywood rise and the realities of living with Parkinson’s disease. His enduring charisma and self-deprecating humor, quintessentially Canadian, remain intact. However, the effects of Parkinson’s have made it challenging for Fox to maintain his superb comic timing.
Despite this, he delivered perfectly snappy one-liners, even if it took a little longer. In the documentary, Fox opens up about the impact of the disease on his career and how it has shaped his life. Instead of relying on typical talking-head interviews, Guggenheim focuses on Fox directly addressing the audience, fostering a sense of trust and closeness, thus inspiring the audience.
