The Good Times Are Killing Me

I stumbled on this film by accident and I'm glad I did. Reminded me of Michael Clayton, in that I knew something bad was going on and wasn't quite sure what it was although I thought it had a great and satisfying revelation at the end. I think this was the first time I have seen a film that deals with denial rather than just the booze and addiction. Thought the cast were great and very believable, especially Kelly Rowan who actually managed to make us feel sorry for a potentially unsympathetic cut-throat lawyer! Surprised this was a CTV show, felt more like a US cable type thing. Might not be to everyone's taste because you really had to concentrate to work it all out and there were no guns or explosions in it!

The heroine, a lawyer, has worked on a sensitive political case involving corruption in high places. But, she finds herself institutionalized against her will. She blames the power of those corrupt politicians. She considers herself wrongfully "imprisoned". As time progresses, she gets closer to the truth about the case and herself. Some of the people in the institution become her friends. They help her.

It takes a certain amount of patience to let the subtle plot unfold. The movie looks at life carefully admitting only what she believes to be the truth. As she discovers more, the movie pulls together nicely.

This is a story of courage and learning to know oneself. A fascinating expose of life.

I love Kelly, always have, always will. I nearly fell off the couch when it all came together and I was made to understand the real truth. Man, oh man do I get this! Anyone with a drunk in the family will get this. Is the writer a man or woman? Because if it is a man - thank-you. If it was a woman- go sister! I wish more TV movies would treat their audiences with the same degree of intelligence instead of talking down to them, I like that it made you work and gave you a lot to think about after. I would give it a ten except the music seemed like it belonged in a different film. I really loved all the characters in the rehab though- they were so funny.

I saw THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME when I was visiting family in Canada. This was an incredibly complex, character-driven piece. I thought the acting was excellent. Kelly Rowan is a talented actress. Canadian broadcaster CTV was smart to make a movie with her. I loved her work in THE O.C., but her performance in THE GOOD TIMES ARE KILLING ME is even more layered and rich.

I thought this was a welcome departure from the typical TV movies I stumble across on many American broadcasters. And Rupert Graves who many will remember from A ROOM WITH A VIEW also gives a spirited and emotional performance. I can't tell you what happens because that would ruin it for you. But let's just say that if you stick with it, you will be rewarded. The story unravels in a completely unique and unpredictable way. Well done!

I think this was a terrific film. For a TV Movie its gone further than most! Its got a great cast The story unfolds brilliantly with great writing It is a unique plot it has a tightly told story the cast overwhelm and perform beautifully we need more films like this if we could get them financed. For a TV Film it does justice to subject matter I think this was a terrific film. For a TV Movie its gone further than most! Its got a great cast. It was also a great example of co-productions between Canada and Britain (England) I would love to see more projects get green lit like this but these days TV Networks aren't financing TV Movies MOWs like they used to one can only hope