Customer Reviews

Drunks [VHS]

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I must've waited a few years before I rented "Drunks" after hearing how amazing the performances were and also, and this is years ago, before I sobered up, how I would identify with "practically everybody" in the film.
I know it's just a film and I know there are many ways for alcoholics and drug addicts to better their lives but certainly this film is as close to what I've experienced out there in the real world with myself and people I love who struggle daily with alcohol and drug abuse.
It's like an all-star game of addicts, each one sharing their tales with excruciatingly, honest and wonderful acting. Is it acting? Hard to tell sometimes. As far as Richard Lewis--the comedian and author who recently told with humor and ruthless candor his own bout with alcoholism, it was an extra hit of "fascination",re-watching the film, if that's appropriate word, to realize that he so powerfully portrayed the lead with only a few months of sobriety, (in his real life) under his belt--or so he wrote and said in interviews. There's not a weak link in this cast and once you see it--this film becomes a part of your life forever. Where's the sequel?

Holy Misery! I'm not an alcoholic, but my God, I love great acting and this INDY is a mind-blower! I watched it with a few people who had seen it before and were trying to help some problem drinker learn about recovery. I don't know if it helped that person but it sure scared the hell out of of me to ever go down that dark road. The all-star cast comes through big-time with some of the best monologues I have ever seen on screen. Comedian Richard Lewis stars and he obviously made his name in stand-up but he is so frightening amazing and real in this film-- and so holds his own with all these famous actors that just to watch his character evolve is worth it. Once you see "Drunks" it stays with you for life. I'm almost afraid to say--"Here's a toast" to a great film.

I missed this film when it came out but caught it on cable. It was one of the most excruciatingly honest film about addictions ever. I have seen most of the most famous ones and this one certainly belongs in their leauge. The cast is stellar and comedian Richard Lewis is shockingly electrifying in the lead. He is truly the star of this film. I read his memoir and know now that he was in his early sobriety when he shot this film which might explain how startling his performance is. I'm not an alcoholic but love great acting and this character-driven film is a home-run that undoubtedly has the potential to save lives if people with alcohol or drug abuse problems listen to the message. The whole cast is so amazing it's almost like you are eavesdropping on a movie rather than just watching it.

but a fantastic glimpse into the curse of alcoholism. Richard Lewis captured for me in this movie the agony of alcoholism more accurately than anyone in any other movies I've seen. For those that complain that this movie doesn't do justice to what a typical AA meeting is like, I agree... but I think they're missing the point.

And frankly, were the movie to depict a typical AA meeting accurately, most people would probably be too bored to sit through the entire film.

I am an alcoholic. I am in the process of beginning my recovery. This movie is so real that anyone who has ever had a problem with addiction can relate to it. It brought me to tears many times only because the stories were just like mine. The problems and fogginess of addiction, the irresponsibily and not even caring about life or loved ones...jobs, people, is true. Everything goes out the door when you are using. This movie accurately portrays what it is like to try to deal with an addiction. If you don't believe me then go to an AA meeting. When people talk about losing families, jobs, everything that matters in life...its real. This movie is a masterpiece of addiction and how it affects peoples lives everyday.

I really thought this movie drunks was really good, when i first watched this movie i was on my second week,getting sober,i learned alot from this movie,things i hear each time i go to my A.A meeting,i'm now sober four months,I think this is a great movie for people to watch,exspecialy if there,trying to get clean,alot of things said,happen in are lives today.this does really happen in the real world. thank you rhonda sc

This film brings home the reality of addiction. The performace by Richard Lewis is academy award worthy.Makes you do alot of thinking about your own abuse of whatever substance.Well worth the price to add to your DVD collection.

I was horrified when I viewed this movie. One thing AA strives for is singleness of purpose - there are other programs for addicts, shopaholics, etc. What went on in the film more resembled a meeting in a treatment center (where nobody there has more than 2 weeks sober) than an AA meeting. There was not one positive role model in the movie, other than the chairperson, and clearly he had lost control of the meeting. Richard Lewis was touching, but profanity like that from the podium is hardly the norm. No two people talked about the same topic. Barely a mention of steps, traditions, sponsorship. Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob would roll over in their graves. If you are considering AA, please know that this movie is NOT what AA is about. Hope is found in AA meetings. People share their experience, strength, and hope. Lives are saved there. Shame on Richard Lewis for distorting the fellowship like that. If this is really his vision of AA, no wonder celebrities can't stay sober.

As a recovering alcoholic this movie was a dose of reality for me.Richard Lewis gives an acadamy award winning performance! If your recovering or not,there's something in this movie for everybody.This movie just might start you on the road to recovery. Well worth the money.I still watch it quite often just to keep things in perspective.Great for loved ones of those in 12 step programs so they can see what a closed meeting looks like.Covers both alcohol and drug abuse. BUY IT!!!

"Drunks" takes place in an AA meeting in New York City. For those who are not in recovery, or are looking for an action flick, this is not it. The characters are interesting, including "pre Ally" Calista Flockhart. Richard Lewis is excellent as a recovering alcoholic in crisis. I have shown this film to patients in D&A treatment facilities and they seem to like it very much. It's an interesting movie, a little slow in places, but for anyone who's struggled with addiction it's worth a look.