Real life, real portrayal, real moving, real funny

Rating: 10/10 (17 May 2012)

This film is a moving, hilarious real portrayal of addiction, small town life, adolescence, adult friendships, the practice of law and American family values. I was moved to tears and uproarious laughter several times. Giamatti is an excellent actor but everything in this film rose to his level. The premise, the script, the cinematography, staging, direction even costumes, everything was A-1 and moved me. I cannot believe this film did not get more media attention and/or awards. I will be watching for anything written by Thomas McCarthy.
This film portrays events which occur in America all of the time but do not make the media. The realities of a solo law practice and the pressures of raising a family in modern America are realistically shown with virtually no exaggeration. The tension between trying to do the right thing and meeting obligations of basic needs for one's family was palpable and expressed in the plot and script with such realism that I felt it in my gut.
Everyone should see this film.