MonsterPerfect
Good idea lost in the noise
Doomtomylo
a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.
Robert Joyner
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
wilson trivino
Often in popular media the drug addict or the drunk is portrayed as a loser. Someone who is lacking the physical and emotional discipline to keep it together but the reality is that it is a disease. Modern science has confirmed this and is more a result of outside factors rather than having a weak moral compass. In the movie, the anonymous people are pointed out and the veil is lifted to examine the root cause of addition. It follows several case studies and examples from the perspective of the recovering addict. Television star Kirsten Johnston speaks to this and how she sought recovery after hitting rock bottom. She even shares how many told her that sharing that she is sober would hurt her career. The media loves covering a train wreck but are reluctant about those that are able to stay the course. A very powerful movie for a personal perspective of addiction.
annuskavdpol
Watched the movie last night. It was more an account of the desired change that two community members had, around the vision of getting better from being an addicted person. This movie was like "One Who Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest" in the sense that the filmmaker, nor the community members seemed to have a clue as to what addictions actually entailed nor the effect of changing a world into what these two community members wanted it to be. The real story amongst the fragmented clips of so-called recovery resides in a husband and a wife, who both suffered from addictions and somehow found each other and formed a union out of a love connection. It was their love for each other that united them. Perhaps, creating a business plan and preaching about the recovery from addictions was a secondary goal but the primary goal was love and these two people finding each other in their own destiny. Sometimes filmmakers do not know their own true story and sometimes a story is not a story but rather a cover-up of the unconscious, only with careful analysis of the details can the viewer unravel the truth. The truth of this film is love not addictions, but good-old fashion love.
Cari-vanamburg
This movie needs to be seen by all those in recovery or who love someone in recovery. The truth of the film is this. We live in a nation that stigmatizes addiction as a problem of will power, a moral failing. Policies at the state and federal level reflect our collective disdain for the addict, preventing addicts and alcoholics from getting treatment they need, and criminalizing their behavior. The film points to strides made in the 60s and 70s to medically classify addiction being undermined by the war on drugs and slashing of mental health and addition treatment. It is true that a person needing access to help, long term help, is not able to find it quickly and the help they receive is not generally found to sustain long term recovery. As a recovered person, in long term recovery, I understand the need for sustained, continued treatment and support. The film does an excellent job of drawing out these shortcomings in our system and postulating that if recovered people come together, as an interest group, we will have more power to effect change within the system. We cannot continue incarcerating the problem away. We need to recognize addiction as an illness, and work to find a comprehensive cure. As for the 12th tradition, the film points to our culture of anonymity as being a road block to collective action with the 12 step communities. It is successful in creating its argument and solidifying the need for collective action to help those still struggling or stuck in the revolving door of prison and drug abuse. It is up to recovered people to speak out because no one speaks for us. The film does not debase the great work of 12 step programs and the roll they play. It does not call on the GSO to throw our our traditions and become a lobbying organization. It asks individual recovered folks to take a second look at the service in their own program and ask, "can I do more?" For this recovered drunk I must say, "yes, I can". I am filled with gratitude that this lack of representation was brought to my attention and if I truly believe myself to be one with my fellows, then I must stand up for those who are disenfranchised, stuck and without help, and demand my government and society to recognize us as a block of people who deserve services and compassion just like any other person with a disease. I'm moved to action, and that was the basis of the film, much like the 12th step. My work is not yet done, my service to others can be taken to a state and national scale. Go see it!!!
michellerook35
This film is great. I mean it shows the real deal behind every addict. The fact that we are good people, suffering with a disease, not choosing to be addicted. I love that it focuses on the recovery piece instead of the disease piece! I would love to see more people come forward about their issues like these brave souls. Tell the world, show the world, how wonderful we can be and are in recovery. Almost everyone knows someone close to them that is affected by the disease of addiction and should have the opportunity to view this. My hope is that this will become a huge part of stigma reduction if we can just get people to take the time to watch it. This film focuses on all forms of recovery so there is no discrimination towards any one chosen path. This is going to be a crucial piece in the current recovery movement. I am proud to say I am I'm in recovery and so grateful that I had the opportunity to witness this masterpiece.
