Customer Reviews

The Upside of Anger [DVD]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Upside of Anger is a film about a woman's descent into alcoholism after her husband abandons her (and their 4 teenage daughters) without a word or a backward glance.

Joan Allen puts in an extraordinary performance as the angry, bitter wife, matched (and I never thought I would say this) by Kevin Costner's performance as the drunken neighbour, a faded baseball star turned DJ.

Kevin plays a great drunk and is also convincing as a man intrigued by the femininity of the household he has suddenly become a part of. That all woman household is definitely a bewitching thing to watch and observe, with beautifully choreographed scenes in the kitchen, as the girls pick up the pieces of suburban life for their mother.

What is less convincing is the turnaround, particularly of Kevin Costner's character. He is altogether too unselfish and empathetic; his redemption too easy and straightforward.

Which is a great shame, because a film that looked like it would be a really insightful, emotionally complex piece turns into something altogether too pat and bland to be entirely satisfying. I'd still recommend it, if you want to watch a romance with a bit of bite to match the humour, and are in the mood for something a bit soapy.

quite enjoyed this,glass of wine, nothing on tv...might watch again in 6 months, Kevin Costner is always cute and Joan Allen was impressive. Yeah, more lead parts for older women please.

This is a movie about a time in your life when your fundamental believes are challenged.

Setting is a typical affluent, suburban setting: well do family, nice house, nice area, nice kids in short everything nice. Suddenly husband disappears seemingly with his Swedish secretary and fall falls apart, at least it seems to be. Mother takes up drinking and her equally drinking neighbour, daughter drops out of school, take elderly lover, the other gets pregnant and the other one dances her into ill-health. There are horrible scenes; one feels the hurt, the confusion, the frustration, the anger, wanting to lash out. But there is more: there is the memory of good times, the knowledge what is right and good, the love for each other but all is cover by anger. Nevertheless the anger helps to get over the initial shock, the feeling of betrayal. But anger has to stop because one gets lost in self-pity and that leads nowhere. And it does and step by step all characters get back on track, even stronger than before. When the final shock occurs, but here they have already made it and cope with it.

The movie is nicely done, well played, of course in many ways very American, but there is a great message. It is an inspiration. I liked very much Joan Allen. With Kevin Costner I always had and properly will have my problems. But he does not too badly here.

Anger changes situation and people, it might be necessary for a time but it should never be the long-term solution. So enjoy it!!!

This is the story of two 'messed-up' neighbours, an ex-baseball star (Kevin Costner) and a deserted wife (Joan Allen) and her children. Forget the tag lines on the DVD case, this is not `furiously funny' (don't you just hate marketing blurb?!). The humour is there, but mingled with the trials and tribulations of two seriously damaged people, who can't make up their minds if they are good for each other.
Joan Allen steals the show as the acidic and bordering alcoholic wife, deserted by her husband, whilst Costner is the sportsman turned radio presenter, who can't deal with a life after stardom and is reduced to hosting a radio show, a man who obviously likes a beer or twelve!!
If you want a film that looks at human interactions, rather than an all-action movie, then get this, as it has a neat twist in the tail.
Not a classic and not particularly fast paced, but a decent bit of entertainment for a couple of hours (unless you don't like Costner and his love of baseball linked movies)!!!!

Joan Allens makes this film click, She plays a depressive Alcoholic and makes damn good work of it. Kevin Costner plays a good second fiddle.

I have to say Amazon i enjoyed this film kevin costner is one of my favourite leading men and Joan allen is a beautiful leading lady. This film will no doubt give you a laugh and theres an i didnt see that coming scene, Costner and Allen are very enjoyable as are the ladies playing joan's daughters. This will wind you down after a hard day at work or if ur needing a laugh give this a go. No excuse really cheap price go get it.

This is one of the funniest, most poignant and well acted films I've seen in a long time. It's laugh out loud funny one minute, and almost makes you cry the next. Joan Allen and Kevin Costner have amazing chemistry - and the supporting cast sure can act too. The script sparkles with wit and originality, the plot is brilliant and you just want to watch it again! I would describe this as a romantic comedy drama for people who like to be entertained but who also need some intelligence in their movies. Buy it, watch it, lend it to your friends - you / they won't be disappointed!

The Upside of Anger follows a family of women, where the dad has up and left (very far way to Sweden), leaving Terry (the wife and mother) hitting the booze badly. Things begin to change with the arrival of Denny, a neighbour who also loves a drink. Because its supposed to be a comedy (not many real laughs actually), there is no sense of any real anguish, and the story just kind of meanders along, with the pace of an art house film, but without the interest. A good performance from Kevin Costner as Denny, and in some ways a touching picture, but not enough to hold the attention really.

For me, the overall mood of this film is quite dark. There is a thread of humour running through it at times, but it struggles to surface. The actors/actresses play their parts well, but, even allowing for the depressing situation she finds herself in, I found Joan Allen`s portrayal too relentlessly grim.
The family, and Kevin Costner`s character, have extremely difficult life experiences to deal with (or not deal with), but I ended up not caring very much about what happened to them.
Costner`s role was quite amusing, but for me there was not enough "lightness of touch" to help balance the downbeat nature of the film. One of the reviews on the dvd case said that it was "uproariously funny". I do realise that humour is always a very personal matter, and I can only give my own opinion.....for me it was not funny, and overall not a great film.

It looks like the kind of film that only a film critic could ever love. It was much better than I expected. It might be a bit inconsequential and TV movie like, but it was engaging and funny and dramatic enough to sustain its near two hour running time. It felt like it was adapted from a novel as the subject matter and the way it was presented feels more naturally suited to a book rather than as an expensive, glossy film.

Joan Allen gets a great role of a prickly, difficult woman full of rage who isn't shy about lashing out at everyone.

A solid film of some merit that I can see myself returning to from time to time. I liked it and I'm very glad I took a chance on it.

If you liked this film then I suggest reading Freedom by Jonathan Franzen as his novel covers similar family stuff.