markgluckstern Yes, I have to give it one star, though it doesn't even deserve that pitiful rating. The writing, the direction, the acting were all bad. The part writer/director Mike Binder wrote for himself is particularly bad. He gives himself the allegedly good lines in a sorry attempt, I guess, to show how clever and how versatile he is (yes, Mike Binder, the triple threat).

Python Hyena The Upside of Anger (2005): Dir: Mike Binder / Cast: Joan Allen, Kevin Costner, Erika Christensen, Keri Russell, Alicia Witt: Excellent film about bitterness and the road to healing. Joan Allen plays the mother of four daughters who is bitter after her husband takes off with his secretary. Kevin Costner plays a radio DJ and former baseball star who lives nearby. Detailed screenplay on relationships while staying focused on central issues. One daughter is into gymnastics; another is engaged to be married; another discovers that her potential boyfriend is gay; and another lands a job on Costner's radio station where she becomes involved with a womanizer. Well directed by Mike Binder who also has a speaking part in the film. Joan Allen embodies her role with sarcasm mixed with alcohol with a great scene where she is to meet the parents of her daughter's fiancée. Costner is employing equal chemistry in one of his best performances. He seeks out a relationship with Allen in those hard core drinking evenings. Twist ending has Costner discover the real reasons for Allen's husband's absence. The daughters are well drawn but also add to the film's predictable subplots. They are played by Erika Christensen, Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, and Alicia Witt and they are stunning. Bitter resentment is ugly but the message regards the calm after the storm. Score: 9 / 10

g-bodyl The Upside of Anger is a much better film than I have anticipated. I thought this would be some bad romantic comedy, but it's not really a romantic comedy. It's a family drama that is centered around family life with a little bit of romance on the side. This film has support of a very unexpected twist ending, an emotional/heartfelt story, and incredibly strong acting. I was surprised on how emotional I felt after the end of the movie, because the film will really get to you.Mike Binder's film is about a family of one strong-willed woman and her four daughters. After a terrible accident in the family, Terry starts a new thing with her neighbor, ex-baseball player Denny Davies while facing the teenage/college hormones of her daughters.The acting is very, very good. Surprisingly, Joan Allen gives one of her best performances ever with her role as Terry. You can relate to her even though sometimes you just want to hate her. Kevin Costner also gives a solid performance even though it's second to Joan Allen's performance. The daughters played by Keri Russell, Erika Christensen, Evan Rachel Wood, and Alicia Witt also give solid performances.Overall, this is a great film that is an acting showcase. This is a good film that is about the ways of family and how they all bond together despite differences. Even thought there are some strong, emotional moments, there are also some sweet, light-hearted moments as well. I rate this film 9/10.

RyanCShowers The Upside of Anger is a wonderful film about the struggles of anger. It's dark comedic touch grabs you from the start without releasing you until the credits roll. The script is funny, charming, well-written dialogue; just absolutely lovely. The direction is dead-on. The director makes you feel like you want to be in this environment that, let's face it isn't the most optimistic. The highlight here is the lead performance from Joan Allen. She's magical here.How the Academy can sleep at night knowing they didn't nominate her is just beyond comprehension. Kevin Costner gives his best performance to date here, as well. The entire ensemble works with one-another, and it shows.This is a smaller film, so many people haven't heard of it, but I beg you to see it; 10.