Altered Minds

though I don't see the rave reviews for it.

Do generally like Judd Hirsch but kinda felt him unbelievable in the character, in fact none of the acting particualry stood out.

Decent plot, decent premise, decent pace... nothing spectacular but comparatively a solid effort.

Stars Judd Hirsch as Nate Shellner. His family has gathered around for his birthday. He's not doing well. When he asks them to read his obituary out loud, we learn that he is an award winning psychiatrist, who worked for the US government, specializing in PTSD, formerly called shell shock. One of the sons, Tommy, clearly has issues of his own... he keeps asking where the family dog is buried, in spite of the many denails from the family. He has also admitted that he stopped attending therapy. Suspense. Some violence, blood and guts. We finally get the whole story from dad at the end. Co-stars CS Lee from Dexter. Ryan Onan. Pretty freaky. Not for the weak of heart. It's well done.. my one complaint is that the family wouldn't have ignored the violence between families members for so long... i think most people would have either left the house, or maybe called the cops. Written and directed by Michael Wechsler.

Was not going to comment on this until I read one grossly overrated review comparing this film to a Bergman production and another response likened it to that of Hitchcock. This film was nothing at all to be held in such esteem. What insult.

The story was poorly written. Mumbo jumbo of supposed psychoanalysis. It's entire plot failed. Any degree of suspense is predictable. Emotional moments, intending to be poignant, are not qualified by any caliber of acting and in my opinion, forced and cringe-worthy.

Followed this film online as it went through the motions and ultimately changed its name. Waited years to see it, as I was extremely interested in the subject matter, and was seeing a lot of good reviews. Reluctantly talked my wife into watching it with me one Friday night, and unfortunately we ended up laughing at it and questioning the plot twists. Its dialogue is pretty bad, and the human interaction is alienating in its manufactured tension. Overall, it was cringe-inducing watching the actors on-screen. I gave this film an extra star because it wasn't filmed on a hand-held camera. But I would urge people to stay away from this because it is just so remarkably bad.

I have to wonder if people who give 10s so gratuitously have any idea what a movie would have to be like to be given a 10/10. The acting in this one is superb, but a slow pace should not be confused with suspense. My wife and I both have backgrounds in mental health care and it held our attention to see how it would play out. however, it's not a film we'd watch again or really recommend as it's just another one of those pieces, that you watch and throw out.