28 Days (2000)

You won't be disappointed!

Great Film overall

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Pretty interesting, albeit not original, theme and with some very good performances one would've expected this movie to be at least good. Doesn't even come close to that in my opinion because the most important pylon simply isn't there ... The protagonist (Bullock) gets admitted into a rehabilitation facility in order to overcome her extremely serious addiction to alcohol, and drugs? Prior to her admittance she even crashed her sisters wedding and insulted everyone, and then she almost died after stealing and crushing a limousine. So far so good but as soon as she gets admitted all her addiction issues simply cannot be viewed by the audience, or at least I was unable to spot a single instance during all those weeks of supposedly painful recovery, of her urge to succumb to that powerful feeling this film is supposedly dealing with ...The images are beautiful since the facility is located in an idyllic forest location and the acting is pretty good, but there is no story to be told really ... On the contrary I found it a little bit insulting towards those people who actually go though something of the same order and have to watch Sandra overcome the same problems they go through without sweating and on top of everything, she becomes a coach figure of sorts for other patients. Ironically two other patients relapse and at least add some seriousness into the endeavor.

I recently recommended this movie and decided I would love to watch it again. When I went to the "net" and saw the lower ratings, I was shocked. I am far from a movie critic, but I do know what I like. I like how the social issue of addiction was approached while finding room for entertainment. I liked the characters. If you are looking for a serious conversation, this isn't the movie, but there are lessons and growth. Bottom line, I disagree with many of the critics and find this movie entertaining while still containing some real life facts. Very much worth watching.

Sure, 28 Days at times is a Hollywood version of what rehab might be, but it does strive to have something to say. The acting is great and the directing is tight. The film totally parodies the rehab clichés - the slogans, the camp environment, the wholesome songs, but the central character, sports columnist Gwen, also genuinely goes on a journey from adolescent-brained party girl to the more mature, intelligent woman inside. She's never stopped to reflect on her life and the consequences of her actions until now. The death of her teenage roommate from suicide is a compelling reminder that not everyone magically transforms their lives at rehab. The support cast including Elizabeth Perkins as Gwen's sister and Marianne Jean-Baptiste as a fellow addict, are great. As a counsellor and alcoholic, Steve Buscemi has a nicely sardonic way about him. He tends to spout sayings, but he's interesting. And as the troubled sports star attracted to Gwen, Viggo Mortenson has great chemistry with Bullock, and is self mocking and rueful. As Gwen's self centered partying boyfriend, Dominic West is fantastic -- his character manages to be light as a cloud while simultaneously representing the evil temptations of drink and debauchery that Gwen must avoid. Special mention goes to the troubadour Loudon Wainwright III who plays guitar and sings in several scenes, as a kind of one man Greek chorus. It gives the film an offbeat, wacky charm. Sandra Bullock is maybe too likable -- even when Gwen is doing despicable things (not that there are many of those) we forgive her. Maybe in real life such a character would really stir our hatred, like the gambling addict who steals money from her child's school. If Gwen had hit a person in the car she stole, it would have been a different film.

Last movie I discussed with son before he Huffed after school and got into his car and had a accident. Last movie we watched together. Laughed and discussed what drug abuse does but a 16 year old just does not think life won't stop. But it does. Great performance by Sandra and crew. I knew there was something going on with him and I thought him seeing this in a comedy- drama side he would relate. We loved the movie. The part of rejection, heartache, and love was what parents and teens need to talk about. Life is hard for all and everyone can fall but we can all get up and get back on track. and this movie showed this. One I will never forget.