Review: The Upside of Anger

(This will be a short one, but only because I’m tired. No reflection on the movie.)

The Upside of Anger is about a woman full of anger and the effect she has on her daughters, and their progression toward healing. It manages to be funny, touching, dramatic, and very real. I’m actually having a hard time figuring out why I didn’t like it as much as I might have. In talking with my wife, I think it comes from the fact that the male lead, played by Kevin Costner, really didn’t grow as much as I thought he should. It really is a very good movie, though. It’s very picturesque in many spots, and the acting is excellent – especially from Joan Allen as the mother, which is good since the role was written specifically for her.

I wish I could pinpoint it. It just seemed lacking something to put it over the top for me. I’d still say it’s above average, though. Three & 1/2 stars.

Best line in the movie:

Shep: That’s the problem with being a deviant: everyone sees you as one-dimensional.

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