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Self-Medicated (2005)

Director: Monty Woolley

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From Time Out New York

No possible combination of street drugs, SSRIs or antipsychotics could make any viewer comprehend why this movie was ever made. Writer, director and star Monty Lapica mines his own adolescence for the drama: Dad dies, the boy turns to booze and dope, Mom (Venora) has him sent to a draconian rehab center, he learns to feel and reconciles with his mother by cuddling on the couch. Lapica is as stiff as the hoary adages about rage and grief he deploys consistently. Couldn’t the emotional journey have been confined to the psychotherapist’s office?

Author: Melissa Anderson 2007-08-29 21:14:48

Time Out New York Issue 622: August 30–September 5, 2007

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User reviews of this film

  • Tim Reynolds said...
    Posted on Aug 29 2007 19:52 I couldn't disagree more with this review. This person must be devoid of all feeling to write this. Without exaggeration, this was one of the best films I have ever seen, and I will tell you why.
    The film had heart. In many ways it was better than Good Will Hunting. What Andrew experienced is what most kids go through. Everyone, at one time or another, loses themselves in something. Life is about coming out of that hole, being sorry and doing what you know is right. Somehow this experience reinvigorates a person to change in a positive way.
    The redemption scenes perfectly depicted what it means to cry out. This was done with tremendous humor, insight and adventure. Usually films with this much meaning are too deep for the masses. I know this struck the perfect balance and would appeal to just about everyone.
    In my opinion it is close to the best movie I have ever seen, and that is because it so closely mirrored my life, with the friends, the parties, the humor and most importantly coming to a place of positive change. Now I can look back on those days and laugh because I am not that "Self-Medicated" person any more, yet I now have that high from living right as this film puts it.
    This film has many incredible messages, most of all that by staying open and doing the right thing, one can go on to be the best they can be.
    There is no reason why this film should not be the independent film of the year.
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Self-Medicated

Cast & crew

Director: Monty Woolley

Cast: Monty Woolley, Greg Germann, Diane Venora, Michael Bowen full cast

Rated: R

Duration: 107 mins


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