Movie Review: Thanks for Sharing
Thanks for Sharing is a touching story that deals with the serious subject matter of sex addiction, in a humorous but extremely moving and well thought out way. I was definitely surprised that it could be both funny and heartfelt at the same time.
Have any of us given much thought to sex addiction being as painful as alcohol or drug addictions? As we learn in Thanks for Sharing it is as painful and often goes hand and hand with other addictions. The film begins with four people meeting in a twelve-step program for sex addicts. This group includes Adam (Mark Ruffalo), Mike (Tim Robbins), Neil (Josh Gad), and Dede (Pink). Adam is the veteran of the group being the sponsor of Mike. Mike has five years of sobriety under his belt and is the sponsor to the failing Neil. Dede is new to the group having multiple addictions and soon befriends Neil and their most unlikely relationship ends up thwarting sobriety through their support of one another.
As the subject matter is intense and, at times, shocking, you can’t help but feel the pain each of them undergoes in trying to battle this disease. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Phoebe, a woman not without her own addictions. Adam is encouraged that he is ready to start dating and, although leery, finds Phoebe to be the one to consider as relationship material. Adam is very careful in all he does, such as staying away from television and computers. He is ritualistic in his daily prayer time and working out the steps of his sobriety; however, he falls short when it comes to being honest about his addiction with Phoebe. Of course, she ultimately finds out and things start to take a turn for the worse.
Robbins is outstanding in his role in this film, I found him coming to terms with his demons and finally taking accountability for the wrongs he has consequently placed upon his family extremely moving. Paltrow, although not one of my favorites, also has a meaningful performance as a woman battling her own eating/exercising addictions. Ruffalo, is also very believable and intense. But my absolute favorite is Neil played by Josh Gad. He is a chubby doctor that has been court ordered to be in the program having been found guilty of public sexual harassment. At first, Neil is just looking to get through the program, but not really committing to it. Until he is fired and finally has the epiphany that he has a real problem. He and Pink have a very cool relationship and are absolutely entertaining to watch.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Mark Ruffalo in “Thanks for Sharing.”
Thanks for Sharing is more than a good film, but would I classify it as great? I think it will be great if you have ever experienced addiction; the premise is that relatable and honest. Additional praise is definitely deserved to writer/director Stuart Blumberg for his efforts.
Betsy Cizek
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