Um Milhão de Pedacinhos

A strong central performance about a film that dances around the edges of the grim reality at times and at times was poorly paced sometimes rushing sections and dragging other parts out. Still does a good job making you care about most the characters unlike some similar films. Unfortunately however it doesn't quite all come together and falls just short of being anything more than reasonably good.

Like a glass of whiskey or brandy, the taste that reminds me of being drilled by the dentist in my younger teenage years. its really a rollercoaster of high but mostly lows in the addicted lifes of addicts during a stay at a anonymous ''addicts'' center in the early 1990's usa. in fact its a very angry story narrated from the main characters standpoint, a pityfilled story, with dashes of crazyness so great that it starts clutching in the stomach.

for a story comparission i will mention the concept marillion album ''clutching at straws'', that rang in my ears in the early 90's, about a late 20's guy out-of-work whose life is a mess. He seeks comfort mostly in alcohol to numb himself. He is trying, but failing, to forget what lies at his feet-a failed marriage, being a deadbeat father while clutching the straws of a sugar mice in the rain.

the actors really do a good performance, and the cinematography are at the top level, but the drawback is the fast shifting moves and lack of introduction and development of the caracters

the grumpy old man recommends if your an post addict or if your having a sunshining day.because its a flick thats hard to swallow after all.

While maybe not always completely successful in conveying its important message, this work wears its heart on its sleeve. At times it's a hard watch, with some slightly over the top details but offers important considerations to all those booked in for serious detox treatment; A: Think seriously about all the challenges, regardless of your biased beliefs.

B: Remember, others before you, have overcome their petty and physical opposition towards the cures outlined stages, and gone on to win the battle - give up and you're lost.

Good performances manage to keep it on target and it's always interesting to see Australian Odessa Young on screen (even though here quite bleak) The co-writing and direction by the co-writer/lead performer's wife is competent and the two eventually manage to make us feel for the subject. Between the above-average cinematography, there's also a hard-working soundtrack helping to move it along. A couple of early, overindulged scenes finally give way to serious outcomes - even if not all as fully desired.

Note: Heavy Language, nudity, drug use.

I wanted to like this, it opens with some pretty nice slomo film work, and looks dark & impressive. I didnt make it to the end however. The characters were a little undercooked and their motivations werent always clear. The romance the lead has didnt seem that convincing. Plus I was really looking forward to seeing Giovanni Ribisi, however he also either had trouble portraying that character, or the writing wasnt right for him. The interactions between him & the lead also seemed forced and these characters seemed to "get" close all of a sudden, without real development of how this occurred. Billy Bob did shine in his role however, and (partially) redeemed this film to me. Its not a bad portrayal of drug issues, ie: it doesnt force the "drugs are bad" rhetoric down your throat - however there are better films out there dealing with these issues

I read this book because it was supposed to be a true story and then later found out that it was mostly lies and the author made most of it up. As a work of fiction it is a great book and hopefully the movie will follow the book.