I honestly do not understand the harsh reviews, I watched this movie with low expectations because of what I'd read before going into it but I thought it was fantastic! I don't doubt this will get Amy Adams or Glenn Close a nomination for film awards, at the very least. This movie is definitely emotional and the performances will linger with you after you finish because it is vulnerability and it is weakness, and redemption, and perseverance, and helplessness all at once. Amy Adams is this whirlwind of drama that proves hostile to her family while she struggles with her drug addictions, her son having to cope with the lack of both parental figures with only his grandmother to be his guide and savior throughout his childhood. This movie really kind of gave a window into what addiction does to a person who neither can afford help, or is looking for it, and how complicated life can become. There were so many moments throughout the movie that could have forced Amy Adams' character to confront herself by letting her reap the consequences of her recklessness. But her family behaved like this cushion or a doormat, or a crutch for her misdeeds and drug addictions and the badness would become a cycle, a trend almost, an expected high with a certain inevitable low.

There is one particular moment that really got to me, and it was the scene where Glenn Close (Mamaw) is begging a meals on wheels worker to give her more food because she is now taking care of her grandson; a meal for one is split for two and she doesn't think twice about giving her grandson the larger portion of the meal. This just really got to me because although this young man's life was nowhere near perfect, he had someone in his life who pushed him to go further and to try harder and this scene and what happens afterward is probably my favorite thing about this movie.

This was a lot better than I thought it would be considering the trailer I saw. Based on the true story of J.D. Vance and chronicled in his book of the same name, I thought it captured perfectly the manner in which a person can escape their dysfunctional family past and become a productive member of society. Not without it's hardships of course, and an indomitable spirit that allows one to rise above one's circumstances when trouble rears it's ugly head. I've never been as entranced by the performances of Glenn Close and Amy Adams as I was here, and if the film receives consideration for this year's Academy Awards, I think those two will find themselves among the nominees for their roles. Both actors portraying the young and adult J.D. were also quite credible, but are often overshadowed by the domineering aspect of his mother Beverly (Adams) and grandmother Memaw Bonnie (Close). It's actually Memaw's tough love that appeared to have inspired J.D. along his path to adulthood, removing him from the stress of a new family paradigm and a set of 'friends' that could have led to his undoing. The word 'hillbilly' in the title shouldn't prevent one from watching this film, as the dynamic among members of the principal family in the story can serve as a stand-in for those of any income and education level. Remarkably, the closing credits silently introduce clips and still photos of the real characters portrayed here, and the casting of the principals couldn't have come closer to resembling the real people involved. Over all a worthy film and well recommended for it's life lessons.

Just recently I watched a documentary about child abuse. And this fits right into this. Or fits the bill as some would say. Now it makes sense that this is also based on a true story. The actors in this are phenomenal. But I do understand people having issues with this. Starting with the already mentioned abuse. Mental and physical abuse that is. And for some maybe really tough to comprehend how someone would be that way. But there are explanations and even when others (and myself included) may think: don't do it, there seems now way that is helping anyone at all ... that does not take into account what the characters feels that moment. The love for ones mother can be quite big, even when others may think it is undeserved ... another similarity between this and the documentary.

This then is not an easy movie to watch at all. This will put you to the test or rather your patience. Try to take this for what it is, flaws and all included. It is not so much about what you yourself would do, but what makes "sense" for the characters to do ... Reality is not always rosy - and this movie is about just that. The tough moments, with very few light moments in between. Be aware of that