The movie was good but man oh man what a downer! Great acting and a bit over the top. The good part about this movie is that I didn't have any real feelings for any of the characters so it was a little like watching a very sad circus. Meryl was divine and delicious to watch. She sure can play MEANÂ…I think she is the meanest of them all. All in all worth the price of admission.

Lots of shouting and obnoxious, drunk characters to watch if you like that sort of thing. The character development felt "forced", each one getting their chance to out-over-act the next. Meryl Streep is too believable at times, she is amazing.

When I first heard of this movie and what it was about I knew it was going to be intense....but after finding out about the all-star cast I knew I had to see it. So I was right....the family dynamics was insane as well as entertaining! Streep's performance was nothing less than outstanding, you see Roberts in a way you have never seen her before and I feel it really showed her talent. Not to mention the rest of the cast, their performances shined in just the right places throughout the movie. If your looking for a family feel good movie DON'T go see this, but if you give it a chance I guarantee you will be amazed with the story line and the truly outstanding performances!

Roger Ebertin gave it thumbs down. Double that. It's no wonder the ads promote the casting of Streep and Roberts. There is nothing else to say about it other than it has no plot, no character development, no purpose. Just a lot of ranting on the plains.

As always, Meryl Streep does not disappoint. Her acting was amazing as was that of most of the cast. Chris Cooper played a compassionate part in a film that was otherwise very very dark. Do not think this will have laughs as I did from the trailers I saw. There aren't any to be found, but it takes you through the paces of an extremely dysfunctional family. Not an uplifter by any stretch of the imagination, so it might not be for everyone to see.