Until 2003, Kris Carr's life resembled that of many other New York actresses. The attractive blonde acted in commercials, appeared in theatrical revues, and guested on programs like Law & Order. After she was diagnosed with cancer of the vascular system, Carr decided to document the experience (she has also written a book, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor). This isn't how most people would react, especially if told that conventional treatments aren't likely to help. With the support of her friends and family, Carr becomes "a full-time healing junkie." For this TLC documentary, she also interviews fellow cancer survivors, like redheaded sisters Erin Zammett Ruddy and Melissa Gonzalez, African-American playwright Oni Faidah Lampley, and pink wigged tour manager Jackie Farry. While Carr acquires a New Age attitude (she digs the word "groovy"), Farry advances a punk-rock approach (her motto is "f--- cancer"). Carr may exhibit greater acceptance of her condition, but Farry's anger seems like the more logical response. Further, Carr's optimism is admirable, but possibly unrealistic for those without her support system or insurance benefits (Plus, she never looks sick and falls in love with her camera man during filming). Nonetheless, her sometimes risqué sense of humor makes for entertaining company during this five-year journey. In Crazy Sexy Cancer, Carr doesn't presume to offer any cures for untreatable conditions, but provides a model for living well through low-impact exercise and proper eating habits. The plentiful extras include a yoga routine, guided meditation, detox tips, deleted scenes, and extended interviews. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
When I was ready, the book was waiting:
I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in May 2008. Had surgery, found out the cancer spread to my lymph nodes and liver. I was scared to death. My friend Marganne kept telling me about the Craze Sexy Cancer lady she was on TV, and wanted me to read the books. It took me months to find the courage to start reading about cancer. I thought the more I read, the more I researched, the more I'd see that I was in big trouble. Well, I finally got the books six months later, and my life has been turned around. So many... more info
great book and movie:
Have a friend who is going through breast cancer and this book and movie have turned her attitude towards what she is facing around.
Funny and engaging film about a scary topic:
I applaud Kris Karr for taking us along on her frightening but inspirational journey through "cancer world" -- a scary place from which everyone is in theory just one doctor's appointment away. The film documents not only Karr's own struggles but those of several other young women who have taken a kick-a** attitude towards battling their disease and finding meaning within the harsh new reality they have been dealt. Because Karr is so young, beautiful, and surrounded by loving family and friends, she makes... more info
Her Metier Is Helping Others Overcome Fear:
She never really does reveal what makes cancer sexy, but surely part of it is her developing romance with the man behind the camera, Brian Fassett. Brian makes himself indispensable to Kris, and is at her side no matter what New Age diet she tries next. Even when she's down, he stays up. In fact Brian hardly shows any emotions in the video, he's just a steady sort of man for a bubbly and optimistic woman. Her dilemma is a tragic one: she has an inoperable and untreatable cancer that paradoxically... more info