I really liked 28 Days - it's probably one of my favorite horror movies of all time. I was biased in favor going in, as the guy who wrote the screenplay, Alex Garland, was one of my favorite authors of the time.

The empty London scenes were the best, and spastic, fluid spewing zombies are certainly more effective than the slow moving sort.

Addiction is a devastating ailment that destroys lives, relationships, and families. And it's not pretty to look at; for a compelling, yet emotionally draining, look at alcoholism you can really wrap your arms around, check out When A Man Loves A Woman.

Which is why I'm still torn over 28 DAYS. This film addresses addiction, yet often in a comedic, lighthearted way. And I like that. . .to some degree. Yet I often wonder if this approach somehow sterilizes the ominous undertones and consequences of addiction--and the difficulties of recovery. But enough of my own personal dilemma. . .

Sandra Bullock plays (and plays well) a boozing, pill-popping party girl who goes on a binge that lands her in rehab; her journey--from being a rebel in denial to a fragile young woman coping with her fragility--is moving and compelling. Dominic West is exceptional as Bullock's equally out-of-control boyfriend; Elizabeth Perkins also holds up her own as Bullock's older, often judgmental sister. Of the fellow recovering addicts, Viggo Mortensen's character was never fully vetted, while Alan Tudyk as a rather flamboyant (and that's putting it mildly) light-in-the-loafers German is hysterical. Overall a great cast that tackles a dark subject in both dark and light tones; here's hoping the lightheartedness of 28 DAYS doesn't sugarcoat a very serious matter.
--D. Mikels, Author, The Reckoning

Watch Meredith Deane as young Lily in the flashbacks with Katie Scharf who plays young Gwen. They're both adorable and cute and such good actresses. This was Meredith's first role. Then she did "Once and Again." I think she was also in Law & Order. Meredith is sassy in this role and plays the character well. As does Miss Katie Scharf who is talented and looks a lot like the main actress playing the character.

28 Days is a fabulous movie that stirs many emotions associated with addiction, immaturity, and insecurity. Sandra Bullock plays a character that demonstrates how many perceived strong and "vibrant" people in our lives, are too often driven by hidden insecurities and emotional pain. The movie centers around a beautiful and charismatic woman about 30 years old, that has surrounded her life with equally colorful and insecure people that routinely gather and celebrate in public places, all attempting to demonstrate that they are part of the "in-crowd". Although these people can be perceived to be having the time of their lives, it turns out they really have no life at all - and do a great job of indirectly hurting themselves and their family. Addiction to alcohol and drugs is a common outcome, and I am guessing that we all may know people like this.

The movie makes you laugh and cry, and really makes you think about those people in your lives that may mask an internal pain, with external friendliness or happiness - maybe even ourselves. I can't imagine a better actress than Sandra Bullock to play this role, and have to say I really enjoyed the intelligence of this movie.

GREAT MOVIE!

I work with adults, families, and adolescents who have addiction issues. I am always on the lookout for both new and older films who are about addiction that I can show to my clients. "28 Days" is one of those films. It chronicles the life of a alcoholic party girl Gwen (played by SAndra Bullock) and an involuntary trip to rehab that she does not take seriously at first. After she is encouraged to get drunk in rehab by her boyfriend, and nearly gets kicked out of rehab and put into jail, she begins to take what her counselor and her other friends in rehab are telling her about her problems drinking seriously. A death of a friend in rehab really wakes her up, and upon discharge she is intent to make changes in her life and stay sober.
This video is excellent to show to a rehab group who are "on the fence" as to whether or not they have a problem with their drinking and or using drugs (despite the fact to everyone else in their life they obviously are addicted to alcohol and/or drugs). A counselor can process this movie by asking questions such as "How are you like Gwen (the lead character) in "28 DAys?" Who is the enabler in the movie? Why did the clients at the rehab center wear signs? etc. I have found this movie to be very beneficial in producing a discussion of what is problematic, drug addicted behavior compared to social drinking.