Reviews

This movie had me very intrigued at first as I was trying to figure out the characters and I really thought there would be much more to this. Then eventually I started to notice many inexplicable events throughout the movie and that is when I realized that the movie itself was going nowhere and had no real, deep meaning whatsoever. When Teddy is giving his speech at what is falsely portrayed as Redondo pier he begins reciting absurd platitudes in the background and talking about the basic fears of all people (i.e. fear of going to prison). The entire movie is nonsense and about nothing. What really bothered me was when they kept referring to Redondo Beach and showing Venice Beach. Note to Hollywood - We do not have homeless people digging through trashcans in Redondo Beach.

When I read the storyline I laughed aloud at the great concept and couldn't wait to watch what I thought would be a funny, and perhaps serious/ dark comedy. What I received instead was a very realistic portrayal of a functional alcoholics life. Divorce and termination from employment are two of the most devastating losses a person could ever experience. The movie begins in reflection of the downward spiral that ultimately causes Nick, the main character, to lose both his wife and his job simultaneously. What I love about this movie is how neighbors, for whom Nick has never met, befriend him and come to his rescue. It also helps that an old friend reminds him of his good nature and good heart. All this helps Nick regain his confidence and self respect. The movie does a great job of demonstrating how important it is that a person who suffers from addiction continues to communicate and open up with people rather than shut everyone out and hide. This is an addiction flick that starts on a negative, gives you a few real good laughs throughout and ends very upbeat.