Review of Smashed (2012) by Leong C — 10 Jun 2013

A very small film with a simple story: Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead - Bobby, Live Free or Die Hard) and Charlie (Aaron Paul - "Breaking Bad") are young and in love ... but also love to party-it-up and drink (a lot).

Tiring of this life, Kate decides to make a change and give up drinking after she embarrassingly finds herself caught in a lie in her classroom filled with youngsters. Her hangover is mistaken as morning sickness by some innocent eyes and Kate realizes her life has spiraled out of control.

While not finding a lot of support at home (Charlie likes to drink) and finding some at work (Nick Offerman - "Parks and Rec"), Kate is distraught at first as to what kind of a decision she is supposed to make regarding her future.

As Winstead's first leading role, she shines and proves to be a most capable young actress and Aaron Paul also proves he is too-unknown in the film world (he has won some television awards in drama for Breaking Bad).

Smashed takes on a very grown-up topic with both humor and serious drama. The film is never off-putting or judging as it leaves life choices up to each character and never really judges one another for having differing opinions.

The film asks us to "try to understand others" and that might be too much for some to do. I wouldn't expect those to enjoy this movie; but those who can accept others -- with ALL of their shortcomings -- might like this highly realistic human drama.