Sex, science, infidelity, love and disease come together in the American dramedy Decoding Annie Parker (2013), not to be confused with the British documentary Decoding Turner (2023). Under the direction of Steven Bernstein (who co-wrote the screenplay with Adam Bernstein and Michael Moss), this is a semi-true story of several different women dealing with breast cancer. Like her mother, Joan Parker (Marley Shelton) dies of cancer. If that’s not bad enough, her younger sister Annie (Samantha Morton) is also diagnosed with cancer as is her spouse Paul (Aaron Paul). If you think that’s devastating, Annie’s hubby has a chubby for her best friend Louise (Alice Eve). Eventually, Ms. Parker catches a break when she learns of research geneticist Mary-Claire King (Helen Hunt) who is studying the roots of breast cancer. Speaking of roots, we were aroused to see the bare chest on Mr. Paul when his character has sex with his wife in bed. The skintastic act also showcases his bare back in the sack. Granted, the flesh flashed is not extensive. Perhaps that’s why the movie was a box office flop as well as a miss with critics and audiences alike. A review in the New Zealand Herald said, “This is lamentably short of humor. It’s also lamentably short of coherence…” As you can guess, we must add that the film is “lamentably short on dudity!” And that’s the worse thing Mr. Man can say about any movie. Had Aaron revealed his rump, we would have given this pic thumbs up!
