Ron Woodroof — cowboy, gambler, hell-raiser.  But when it comes to life and death, those who’ve made nothing but mistakes and faced occupational hazards always have the potential to start anew, altering their lives in ways more drastic than they could possibly imagine.  American actor Matthew McConaughey has been on a roll for the last three years ever since his career change from playing typical stud characters in Rom-Coms.  In Dallas Buyers Club, McConaughey takes on the role of real life racist and homophobic electrician and rodeo cowboy Ron Woodroof, showing us once again how far he’ll stretch his acting chops when selected for these more serious roles.  And believe me, he’s good enough to not to have to push too far in this challenging, but superbly acted historical drama set amidst the AIDS epidemic in 1985.

After being diagnosed as HIV positive from living a wild life, Woodroof is left with only 30 days to live.  This marks Woodroof’s turnaround in lifestyle and reflection on his past actions, as the tag line goes “Dare to Live.”  Ron is determined to find out what the treatments are for his diagnosis.  In his search he comes across a special drug called AZT that could save his life, but is still in the clinical trials stage within the United States.  As he moves on with what’s left of his life, Woodroof even reflects on his view of gays and befriends an HIV positive cross-dresser named Rayon (played fantastically by Jared Leto).  While working to find a way to treat himself he is lead by an American physician, Dr. Vass (Griffin Dunne), to uncovering other drugs and vitamins that are more effective in treating the symptoms of AIDS (though unapproved by the FDA).  As a final act of redemption, Woodroof works with Rayon to smuggle these drugs into the United States, while evading the FDA’s constant prohibits, in order to not only treat themselves, but other HIV positive patients.

Dallas Buyers Club provides true inspiration for when it comes to stepping up, even though the odds are stacked against you, to benefit those experiencing more difficult circumstances than you.  The film also co-stars Jennifer Garner (Juno, Elektra) and Steve Zahn (Rescue Dawn, A Perfect Getaway).  I highly recommend Dallas Buyers Club to anyone who wants a goodhearted and powerfully acted medical drama based on the amazing real life accounts of Ron Woodroof’s redemption and growth to strive for a better purpose in his life.  I give it a 9.1/10.  The film was released on November 1st and is rated R.