labng
This subject matter here is addressed often, as it should be. Everyone involved got this one right-- the writer, the director, the actors. Anyone who is this person or who loves this person will find this a relevant and moving portrayal of addiction and its ravages. Not light fare, but well worth the kleenex.
SquigglyCrunch
Smashed follows a married couple who are both alcoholics. Ultimately, the wife Kate realizes how much alcohol has affected her life and attempts to sober up. Mary Elizabeth Winstead pulls off a largely solid performance here. Sometimes she seemed kind of off, but for the most part she was charming and I really enjoyed seeing her character on screen. Aaron Paul did a consistently great job I think. He's an interesting character that maybe should've received a bit more attention, but for what he has does great. His character is complex and flawed, and he pulls it off in a convincing way. And moreover, both these actors have great chemistry. They play off of each other really well, and I definitely bought into the idea of them being married. The writing is usually pretty good. There are never any issues I had with it really. I was never left confused or wondering how a particular character could be so stupid or anything. It captured addiction fairly well, which is exactly what I presume it was going for. Overall James Ponsoldt has created another solid movie. While it isn't as good as some of his others, it's a solid film that I certainly enjoyed seeing. In the end I would recommend it.
Tejas Nair
The short feature only talks about the grave effect of alcoholism on modern version of marriage institution. And, well, it talks sharp & real.Mary Winstead is amazing as she takes on two roles in here: one, when she's sober and another when she's drunk. Both are so distinctive, they speak volumes as to how how a person becomes when he drinks all night, all day. Aaron Paul finely complements her, with his peculiar diction and portrayal. Both are two of my favorites now. Even the supporting cast is very good.Hitting exactly how alcoholism strikes relationships and wrecks havoc in all aspects of a person's life, the plot evolves into self-realization and the story further. There is humor, which purportedly is an embarrassment to the characters. With a sweet ending, Smashed is original and soothing, with its music & setup. Fine direction, photography & editing.BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. Great performances and a very authentic story.Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO
Tash Jones
Smashed is about a scenario we're all familiar with.Everyone is having fun and living carefree until one person decides they want to change. It puts a strain on that friendship (or relationship). Only here, we have a married adult couple. They drink a lot and occasionally dabble in drugs. When the wife throws up in front of her primary school class, and pretends she is pregnant to cover up her hangover, she realises she has to change. Kate's (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), partner, Charlie (Aaron Paul) isn't very supportive and maintains drinking himself, in front of her.It really makes you wonder if the decisions you make whilst being under the influence or addicted to something - albeit a substance, or food, are the decisions you'd make, without it. The tale resolves itself but is far from happy, because of that I find the realism all the more believable.The moment when the phrase 'moist pussy' was said too me off guard and I definitely laughed out loud and laughed. Great moment and great acting all round, good film.
AD
