trusten
I have seen this film more than any other film ever made, because I need to see it. It is to be shown tomorrow evening at a local AA meeting, as it usually is on New Year's Eve. I can probably recite most of the dialog from memory.Most people who have entered rehab have probably been shown this film, since it is such a well-acted, concise version of Bill Wilson's story. For those unfamiliar with Alcoholics Anonymous, this film is a must. For those in the fellowship (if any of us haven't seen it), it is also a must, and moving experience.Fritz Weaver, who plays Lois Wilson's father (Dr. Burnham) in the film, is a much-unsung actor. Perhaps he is best remembered as the wayward Colonel Cascio in "Fail Safe" (1964) and also as the physician in another James Woods film, "Holocaust" (1978). Also, it was in this film that first I saw the amazing Gary Sinise (Ebby Thatcher, Bill's sobriety mentor), who went on to do my favorite version of Harry Truman, and also shined as "Colonel Dan" in "Forrest Gump" opposite Tom Hanks.
ThommyMac
Expertly acted, great sets, and an interesting story brought to the screen. How much more could you ask for? Having been sort of forced to watch many recovery movies at the VA, this one shines. Take it from a cynic, this is well worth watching. Most movies dealing with addiction are syrupy, saccharine, and all the problems are solved at the end of 90 to 120 minutes. I understand that this is the nature of movies HOWEVER it is NOT the nature of recovery. Non-members of the AA fellowship can enjoy it for how well it shows the beginning of the movement, friends of people in recovery can identify with the supporting characters, and "friends of Bill W." can marvel at the birth of a miracle. Finally, the straightforward script manages to avoid the aforementioned "sappy" pitfalls inherent to most recovery movies. It beats "28 Days" anytime.
kevin32
This movie is a hit in my books. You can actually read the Book "Alcoholics Anonymous" and see Bill's Story the same as it is for the most part. A great help for new AAer's or for treatment centers. It actually takes you through the 12 steps if you really look at the movie. For those that are not familiar with the 12 steps, the first three anyway are: 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Were entirely ready to turn our will and our lives over to God as we understood him. 4 Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Robert D. Ruplenas
Not much to add to the hugely favorable consensus here about this made-for-tv-movie, so I will just echo what has been said. Good story about a vitally important organization, the man that founded it and how he did so. Good acting all around, good writing, and good direction.Well worth seeing, not just as a docudrama, but as a well-crafted piece of cinema.
AD
