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The Upside Of Anger [2006]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

The sight of two lost souls finding something unavoidably necessary in each other carries The Upside of Anger through it pleasant episodic drift. When Terry Wolfmeyer (Joan Allen) realizes that her husband won't be coming home again, she hits the skids and the bottle, leaving her four thunderstruck daughters (Alicia Witt, Keri Russell, Erika Christensen, and Evan Rachel Wood) to fend for themselves while she fends off the attentions of concerned neighbor Denny Davies (Kevin Costner). Writer/director Mike Binder (who has a good bit as Costner's sleazy producer) juggles too many subplots in this comedy/drama--his charming young actresses are all but wasted--then tosses in a wrongheaded climactic twist and terrible explanatory narration from young Wood. But the two leads do career-best turns: If you've given up hope on Costner, you'll be surprised by his shaggy dog appeal as a perpetually soused radio show host/faded ex-baseball star, while Allen's boozy, brittle performance is so remarkable that even her comic drunkenness is nuanced. --Steve Wiecking


This movie was a real gem in diguise!
Review date: 2008-04-04 Rating: 8 out of 10



This movie didn't have an impressive trailer, and there wasn't even any hype about it. BUT it turned out to be one of the best movies I've seen this year! The only reason I went to see the film was because it was a Mike Binder project. I had had the privilege of meeting Mr.Binder at work and thought I'd check out another of his films, and I was really impressed! The movie centres around the intricacies of abandonment and ensuing anger. The script is written really well, with some very light and funny bits thrown in for good measure. This is essentially a story of a devoted housewife (Allen) who discovers that her husband has gone and left her to bring up her 4 daughters, and has supposedly run off with his Secretary to Sweden. She takes solace in booze and Denny, a retired baseball player turned sports DJ. And all throughout we see what effect her anger has on all those around her. She sees the damage but she can't stop herself. The movie is an interesting, funny, human drama that takes us on the journey of how Mrs. Wolfmeyer (Allen) returns back to her sweet self. The end is interesting, and there's an unpredictable twist to the story, which makes one ponder: is reality something that happens to us without much/any of our participation OR do we choose to play 'our part' and act the role faithfully till the end or till we realise better? The end of this film answers that question beautifully. Mike has turned out a smashing movie, well cast and really well acted. Do yourself a favour: watch it, it will be well worth your time. If only for the fact that it's a superb good feel good movie!

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Reviews


a consistently funny, romantic and intriguing story
Review date: 2007-11-07 Rating: 8 out of 10

The Upside of Anger is a consistently funny, romantic and intriguing story
about two adults who are in bad shape but manage to hold each other and four young women together.A film that will appeal to people who have an interest in family life and what holds relationships together. But at the end of a day a film that is light-hearted and easy to watch.

Some extraordinary performances make this worth seeing
Review date: 2007-11-05 Rating: 6 out of 10

The Upside of Anger is a film about a woman's descent into alcoholism after her husband abandons her (and their 4 teenage daughters) without a word or a backward glance.

Joan Allen puts in an extraordinary performance as the angry, bitter wife, matched (and I never thought I would say this) by Kevin Costner's performance as the drunken neighbour, a faded baseball star turned DJ.

Kevin plays a great drunk and is also convincing as a man intrigued by the femininity of the household he has suddenly become a part of. That all woman household is definitely a bewitching thing to watch and observe, with beautifully choreographed scenes in the kitchen, as the girls pick up the pieces of suburban life for their mother.

What is less convincing is the turnaround, particularly of Kevin Costner's character. He is altogether too unselfish and empathetic; his redemption too easy and straightforward.

Which is a great shame, because a film that looked like it would be a really insightful, emotionally complex piece turns into something altogether too pat and bland to be entirely satisfying. I'd still recommend it, if you want to watch a romance with a bit of bite to match the humour, and are in the mood for something a bit soapy.

When your fundamental belief system is challenged - anger might be necessary, but no long-term solution
Review date: 2007-08-17 Rating: 8 out of 10

This is a movie about a time in your life when your fundamental believes are challenged.

Setting is a typical affluent, suburban setting: well do family, nice house, nice area, nice kids in short everything nice. Suddenly husband disappears seemingly with his Swedish secretary and fall falls apart, at least it seems to be. Mother takes up drinking and her equally drinking neighbour, daughter drops out of school, take elderly lover, the other gets pregnant and the other one dances her into ill-health. There are horrible scenes; one feels the hurt, the confusion, the frustration, the anger, wanting to lash out. But there is more: there is the memory of good times, the knowledge what is right and good, the love for each other but all is cover by anger. Nevertheless the anger helps to get over the initial shock, the feeling of betrayal. But anger has to stop because one gets lost in self-pity and that leads nowhere. And it does and step by step all characters get back on track, even stronger than before. When the final shock occurs, but here they have already made it and cope with it.

The movie is nicely done, well played, of course in many ways very American, but there is a great message. It is an inspiration. I liked very much Joan Allen. With Kevin Costner I always had and properly will have my problems. But he does not too badly here.


Anger changes situation and people, it might be necessary for a time but it should never be the long-term solution. So enjoy it!!!

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Joan Allen
Erika Christensen
Evan Rachel Wood
Alicia Witt
Kevin Costner

Creators:
Joan Allen (Primary Contributor)
Kevin Costner (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582480764
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2007-08-27
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 112 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Original Language)

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