The film fails to convey the true damage that drug addiction brings to families. It was jarring to watch Ben's much younger half siblings embrace him as their much loved big brother. When the addiction is so far gone that the addict has robbed people, sold his body and became a drug dealer himself to support the addiction, it is highly unlikely that anyone would be innocent to his demons. Children in particular would be wary because they have seen first hand how much pain this person has caused.
Such moments of possible redemption and forgiveness are sprinkled throughout the show. The underlying theme is to state over and over again that though the addict cannot be saved, those who love him or her should still do everything they can to pull the addict out of the abyss because the finality of death warrants such futile heroism. You will regret it if you do not try. The result is a mother who disregards all her other children and is even willing to put their safety at risk in order to 'save' her one drug addicted child.
The attempt at being upbeat and positive actually has the opposite effect. Is it wise to stay positive in the face of a junkie's cravings? Should you really take on a second mortgage to pay for rehab that did not work in the past? The fairy tale ends up creating a sour taste because you know the reality is usually much darker and sadder than what is portrayed.
The movie is watchable and the performances are credible though Julia Roberts does not quite convey the pain, anguish and anger at seeing a drug addicted child. It is a film to watch if you are interested in the issue and are willing to be provoked. Otherwise you will probably consider the material unrealistic and perhaps even irritating.
Such moments of possible redemption and forgiveness are sprinkled throughout the show. The underlying theme is to state over and over again that though the addict cannot be saved, those who love him or her should still do everything they can to pull the addict out of the abyss because the finality of death warrants such futile heroism. You will regret it if you do not try. The result is a mother who disregards all her other children and is even willing to put their safety at risk in order to 'save' her one drug addicted child.
The attempt at being upbeat and positive actually has the opposite effect. Is it wise to stay positive in the face of a junkie's cravings? Should you really take on a second mortgage to pay for rehab that did not work in the past? The fairy tale ends up creating a sour taste because you know the reality is usually much darker and sadder than what is portrayed.
The movie is watchable and the performances are credible though Julia Roberts does not quite convey the pain, anguish and anger at seeing a drug addicted child. It is a film to watch if you are interested in the issue and are willing to be provoked. Otherwise you will probably consider the material unrealistic and perhaps even irritating.