hyped garbage

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

I Really Wanted to review this movie before but every time i tried i was Speechless my Thoughts were so loud,i couldn't hear my mouth like the song lyric goes....I loved this powerful story,powerful and touching performances by Benicio the King and whole cast from Halle till kids. Halle Berry shows all the drama happening around her Character truly. her face her act is exactly how it supposed to be,her voice her eyes she was Perfect! and So Was Benicio Del Toro! Oh Benicio Were you Addicted before?? i mean truly everyone who has or had any connections with drug addiction will say that Benicio truly acts like he is addicted! i mean in real life! i loved every Scene and Wholeevolution of movie from start till end, how Halle decided to drag Jerry(Benicio Del Toro) to her House was Brilliant(i mean when she found the lost money under the seat in car,when she thought that Jerry stole it). Also the Touching Scenes of Jerry When he is back to the Heroin and when Audrey(Halle Berry) starts rehab of Jerry at home. i Loved the end it isn't Banal at all.I wanted to say more but i cant express myself now really!so it is the best real life touching drama with great story and powerful performances. Applauds!

This movie - with somewhat "draggling" title, but it has a meaning - is rather painful to watch, but still interesting and lots of Hollywood clichés have been avoided - as for ending, for instance. The plot is realistic and intelligent, and viewers can ponder and think through lots of things; addiction issues, raising children, fragility of human life - among others.But the main pearls are the leading actors - Berry and Del Toro. Well, it should be no surprise, both are Academy Award winners, but they were so great throughout the movie, leaving e.g. Duchowny in the shadow as well. Even if you are not fond of difficult topics - it is no entertainment, though has its comic and pleasant moments - the movie is highly recommendable, if you prefer great acting and having sympathy with characters.The movie deserves definitely more attention and praise it has seen so far.

Susanne Bier goes the same secure (and economically successful) path as e.g Lars Hallström and several other good European film makers. From credible pieces of art touching real emotions to standardized Hollywood productions. The authors are OK, some better than OK, but Halle Berry personalize the impersonal, over-sweetened and superficial impression of the movie.This is another example of a basically good story and a good film maker turning out in an uninteresting result. Although Bier is not in the same league as e.g. Lars von Trier, she has made several interesting films listed at IMDb. I recommend Susanne Bier's earlier Danish productions instead of this meal of lobster marinated in coca cola.

Benicio del Toro's facial gestures are captivating from beginning to end. He wedges in occasional humor to a tragic situation. A harrowing depiction of a once successful attorney turned heroin addict masterfully performed by del Toro. His presence and personae command the screen. It's inspiring to see the main character maintain a sense of dignity about him even during the nadir of his life. No facades about what he does to survive, or the occasional deplorable state of his body. Refreshing cynicism. He derives a sense of self-worth from his brains. The alternating affluent and adverse living conditions don't compromise his authenticity. One roots for him to rise from the ashes. In real life it would be highly unlikely for someone in his situation to have one, let alone four wealthy people (a couple of them strangers) trying to help him get a second wind. Creative dialog. Excellent supporting actors, including charming children. It needed a less sad title to attract a larger audience. Benicio should have been nominated for awards for this one.