So much average

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Smashed is about alcoholism, certainly. But it's also about marriage. Growing as an individual is great, but how does that affect the relationship you have with your spouse? Must you both grow together in order to not grow apart? Taking a unique point-of-view and harboring another impressive turn from future-awards-winner Winstead, this is a difficult and uncomfortably honest little romantic drama from a talented young filmmaker.

The short feature only talks about the grave effect of alcoholism on modern version of marriage institution. And, well, it talks sharp & real.Mary Winstead is amazing as she takes on two roles in here: one, when she's sober and another when she's drunk. Both are so distinctive, they speak volumes as to how how a person becomes when he drinks all night, all day. Aaron Paul finely complements her, with his peculiar diction and portrayal. Both are two of my favorites now. Even the supporting cast is very good.Hitting exactly how alcoholism strikes relationships and wrecks havoc in all aspects of a person's life, the plot evolves into self-realization and the story further. There is humor, which purportedly is an embarrassment to the characters. With a sweet ending, Smashed is original and soothing, with its music & setup. Fine direction, photography & editing.BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. Great performances and a very authentic story.Can be watched with a typical Indian family? NO

SMASHED (dir. James Ponsoldt) Kate and Charlie are 'twenty-something' married alcoholics who live a boozy and carefree life in a working class section of Los Angeles. The problem is that when Kate hits bottom first they soon find themselves emotionally and psychologically at odds. Mary Elizabeth Winstead turns in a stunning performance as a winsome primary school teacher who realizes that alcohol has made her life unmanageable, but her new-found sobriety seems to have accentuated subliminal problems in her married and professional life. The film offers the uncommon insight that an alcoholic's last drink really only marks the beginning of the true struggle. SMASHED is a film of redemption that rings true. Worth A Look

Banal and of no real interest, these are two terms that define pretty well Smashed. The scenario is pretty weak, we are on auto pilot from start to finish, everything is more or less predictable and unfolds unsurprisingly. The cast, though good on paper especially considering the presence of Aaron Paul, is almost transparent, struggling to make the most of their characters who cruelly lack depth. Besides, Smashed serves us up all the stereotypes of the alcoholism theme: AA meetings, sponsor, bad company, etc. The situations, characters, have all been been (better) treated dozens of times in other movies.At least, Ponsoldt deserves credit for his cinematography, though the ultra typical "indie" style can be irritating, and for not dragging the story too much (the movie is only 1h15).