28 Days
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Viggo Mortensen, Dominic West, Steve Buscemi, Elizabeth Perkins, Alan Tudyk, Mike O'Malley, Margo Martindale
Directed by: Betty Thomas
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Drama
2000

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: An alcoholic (Sandra Bullock) is forced to go to rehab after a disaster at her sister's (Elizabeth Perkins) wedding. She is only interested in getting through the program- not in changing her life.

Review:

Tim: I really don't like 28 Days all that much. In theory, the idea of an alcoholic going through rehab sounds like a good idea for a movie, especially for a dramedy. Unfortunately, this movie is just not engaging enough. I've seen this film twice now, and I was bored both times. The movie moves too slowly, and has some real problems with the story. There's very little emotional connection to any of the characters. I admit there are some strengths, but those are buried underneath a great many flaws.

The first issue is with our main character. Now, she obviously needed to be an alcoholic, but she is pretty unlikable early on. That is to be expected. As the film goes on, we certainly warm up to the character, but I never really felt any emotional connection to her. I suppose I wanted her to kick the habit and be successful, but that was because I didn't really have anything else to root for. I was never invested in her journey at all. Now, I'm not trying to fault Sandra Bullock too much, because she does deliver a good performance. She is definitely more dramatic here, but there's enough lighthearted comedy so she can play to her strengths there. She's good, but she is never great.

The supporting cast is strong, but under-utilized. I really like Viggo Mortensen, but he was pretty much wasted in this film. He's a really strong actor, and shows this in a few quiet scenes with Bullock. Unfortunately, he has almost nothing to do the rest of the time. I can't understand why this character did not have a bigger role, and why there really wasn't any resolution for him. I felt like that was a major mistake on the part of the writers. Dominic West actually does a pretty good job, believable as the alcoholic enabler boyfriend. I thought he played the part realistically- not an over-the-top drunk, but what real-life people with substance abuse are like- not necessarily bad people, but definitely bad for other people to be around. I loved seeing Steve Buscemi here, but was frustrated by how little screen time he got. He was one of the most interesting characters, but was barely used. Elizabeth Perkins did nothing for me here. I usually like Alan Tudyk, but I just found him annoying. Mike O'Malley has a few really strong moments, but eventually got on my nerves. The whole supporting cast could have been significantly better.

One of the worst parts of this movie is that it just feels like such a downer. I didn't expect it to be a "twinkle your toes" kind of movie, but it's just depressing. There's supposed to be comedy to offset the heaviness of the film, but the comedy is pretty weak, so the movie is greatly out of balance. I just do not have fun while watching this movie. It's a major bummer. A film like this could be a lot of things, but it needed more effective levity. As it is, it's just a chore to sit through.

I also really disliked the ending. It just felt cheap and unsatisfying to me. I know not every character can have their story reach a point of resolution, but it felt like the writers got tired of writing, and just said, "Let's just stop." The ending is quite disappointing, and it left an even worse taste in my mouth.

Clearly, I am not a big fan of this film. However, I admit there are some real strengths. The film does take a pretty realistic look at substance abusers. There aren't always happy endings, as most of those people enter rehab numerous times. When you've become addicted to drugs or alcohol, it is not a pretty sight. The film tackled those topics with realism, and I appreciated that. The cast isn't used very well, but it was fun seeing all these actors together.

The movie has some strengths, but as a whole, 28 Days just felt like a complete misstep to me. I really do not care for this movie at all, and it did not improve with repeat viewings. It was the same bland, disappointing, depressing film that did a few things right, but far too many wrong. I never want to watch this movie again.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



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