Parents' Guide to 28 Days

Gwen (Sandra Bullock) is the child of an alcoholic. Her mother has bequeathed her the disease, along with the philosophy "If you're not having fun, what's the point?" It's only after she falls from a tree trying to retrieve some pills she had tossed from her window that she begins to grasp the severity of her problem. With the (begrudging) help of her fellow group therapy patients, Gwen starts to confront the toll her addiction has taken on herself and her friends and family. Although the reconciliation between Gwen and her newlywed sister is awfully hasty, the movie demonstrates the betrayal and frustration that loved ones suffer as a result of chemical dependencies. Lily (Elizabeth Perkins) makes it clear that she is overwhelmed with disgust and rage at Gwen's lack of self-control. When she recounts the offensive toast that crowned Gwen's assault on her wedding, you will have a hard time not cringing yourself. Although Gwen is a sympathetic character, the movie doesn't let her off easily.