28 Days

Striking a sure-footed balance between trenchant humor and genuine sentiment, this dexterous rehab comedy isn't afraid to scoff at twelve-steppers and political correctness while telling the story of an alcoholic's difficult journey toward sobriety. Sandra Bullock is very well cast as an addict extraordinaire, sentenced to a restrictive retreat with a menagerie of recovering junkies who have traded substance abuse for a predilection toward chanting nauseating affirmations. Director Betty Thomas (Private Parts, Dr. Dolittle) shows respect for her subject matter, not shying away from pain and sorrow, but also skillfully sidestepping the melodrama lurking around every corner to reveal comedy and truth instead. The high octane back-up cast includes Viggo Mortensen, Dominic West, Elizabeth Perkins, Steve Buscemi and Diane Ladd. Recommended. (R. Blackwelder)