Dallas Buyers Club

Thankfully, filmmakers of Dallas Buyers Club know how tragic the AIDS epidemic was, especially in the 80’s. But they also understand that you’re at the movies and there’s only so many facial legions and dying people you can see before it starts to get depressing. With that in mind, the focus is put squarely on the shoulders of Matthew McConaughey’s deft depiction of schemer Ron Woodroof and his sneaky but noble efforts to defy the FDA and bring relief to AIDS patients. This movie is truly an indictment of the FDA, and filmmakers never hold back from portraying them as villains. But once you get past your anger about how these people were treated and/or neglected, McConaughey’s charm is the glue that holds the story together. His personal journey from a slime-ball/bigot to an advocate and hero is first-class.