I do have ambivalent feelings towards this movie

Rating: 7/10 (29 December 2012)

Excellent features: - performances by Denzel Washington (!), Keilly Reilly, John Goodman
Good features: - performances by the rest of actors
Not so good features: - the plot. It is too slow at times, and becomes gradually predictable. There are also unrealistic moments, especially the hearing scene - persons tend to "sober up" after dramatic events, but not in this manner. Washington's and Reilly's characters are too plain anti-addiction patterns, but thanks to the actors' talent, they are still pleasant to follow.
Nevertheless, the movie is worth watching, and Washington will probably get a Academy Award nomination. Good luck!