Parents' Guide to

28 Days

By Ellen MacKay, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Strong rehab story for mature high schoolers.

Movie PG-13 2000 104 minutes
28 Days Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Mleemidkiff@gmail.com
[email protected] Parent of 18-year-old
July 31, 2018
age 14+

Good Movie

I think Sandra Bullock rocked in this movie and I recommend people are old enough to watch it at 14.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
gerbowski
gerbowski Parent of 1-year-old
August 31, 2012
age 15+

a good movie about overcoming addiction

A good movie about overcoming addiction. Probably ok for most teenagers, since it is pretty much a romantic comedy. However, there is a lot of drinking and some drug use, but overall the message is about leaving those things behind.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (4):

Sandra Bullock sheds her good-girl image with this engaging dramatic comedy written by Susannah Grant (who also penned Erin Brockovich). As the addict Gwen, Bullock is alternately defensive and painfully vulnerable. While every step is a tough one, the movie manages to bring a lot of humor to her plight.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can discuss the obstacles people with addictions face. What factors contribute to alcoholism and drug abuse? How hard is it to get your life back together?

Movie Details

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