I was reluctant to see this movie initially. When I read the reviews, saw the excerpts on talk shows, and previews at theatres, it turned me off. Something about making fun of a fatal illness that destroys families, health, careers, self-esteem, emotional, mental and spiritual growth, just didn't tickle my funny bone. I guess I'm just a wierd duck! (Tongue firmly planted in cheek).
But after seeing "28 Days", I would recommend it to anyone whose life is affected by chemical dependency, even peripherally. And this is usually 4 out of 5 people - whether a parent, sibling, child, spouse, partner --- or if you've ever questioned yourself - "Gee, I wonder if I might have a problem". While this may not be a popular statement with my Epinion friends, I'm not writing this for HR ratings.
If you wonder if you have a problem with alcohol, chances are pretty high that you do. I'll avoid saying "always", only to acknowledge statistical probability as not being absolute.
I went to this movie only to spend some time with a recovering friend who wanted to see it. I'm so glad that I did, especially realizing that others will see it, and perhaps some of the bad rap, and mystique of in-patient or residential treatment for chemical dependency might disappear. I found it wonderfully accurate, and the comic relief parts, (while I think they were laid on a little too heavily just to make it commercially successful)do happen in treatment.
"28 Days" was pretty darn close to what I know of other 12 Step Treatment settings. Sandra Bullock was fantastic in this role. I think she was uncomfortably believable --- Oh boy, was she! 'Nuff said!
It was well written, didn't ridicule, as I was afraid it would, and showed the power that the treatment setting can have - to turn lives around. I'm beginning to sound like I'm on a soap-box here, so I think I'll shut up. However, I'll have to acknowledge - I've been a substance abuse therapist for over 20 years, and found "28 Days" to be a very,very important film. It was well-done, and also very enjoyable. I did laugh, uproariously at parts.
And as I think about it, that was probably necessary not just to bring in the bucks for the producers, but perhaps at the advice of some recovering addicts, and professional advisers that were probably on the set as it was being written and filmed. It was accurate, it was funny, it was entertaining, and definitely was not one of those "Message Films" - at least not overtly. But hopefully it did send a message to someone kind of sitting on the fence. Alcoholism kills. Life, relationships, souls. That's about the most important message I got from this movie.
The story of Gwen Cummings (Sandra Bullock), a successful New York writer living in the fast lane and everyone's favorite party girl - until she gets ...More at HotMovieSale.com
From director Betty Thomas (Dr. Dolittle, Private Parts) comes 28 Days, the story of Gwen Cummings (Sandra Bullock), a successful New York writer livi...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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