Rings true

Rating: 9/10 (30 November 2013)

As a fan of quality filmmaking Zemeckis does a great job of creating a flawed but sympathetic character in Whip (a very convincing Denzel). Like previous reviewers stated, the alcoholic/drug abusing role can be easily over done. Denzel plays it great. He has the right mix of cockiness and assuredness while he spirals out of control(pun intended). The ending completely makes sense from a Hollywood perspective, but I like it as well. Sure there are people who may say it's too calculated, even self-righteous, but nothing could have been gained by watching Whip continue to fall. The supporting cast is convincing enough. People with addiction do seem to surround themselves with well wishing, albeit it meek yes-men and women. Goodman's long-time, drug-dealing buddy is a humorous touch, although I could have done without the cocaine scene towards the end. I understand Zemeckis's choice to add humor to a tense scene but it kind of undoes all the hard work the film made in getting to that point. Even the shot of Denzel leaving the hotel (complete with funky song and druggie stroll, reminiscent of a Scorsese movie) while cool, does little to hammer home the theme that late in the movie. Without getting too personal, this movie is great for someone going through an addiction, especially someone who is functioning with the disease like myself. It seems like many addicts don't know how to be any other way after using for so long, and can't cope with emotions. The relapses Whip experiences all happen when his emotions are too great. Very powerful film. Overall I give it 9 out 10.