Sweet Dreams

In modest but effective LA addiction drama "Sweet Dreams" big-time music-video director Johnny Knoxville (great - playing it straight) hits rock-bottom with his alcoholism, so checks into Mohammed Amer's titular low-brow rehab house where aided by fellow addicts (including Jay Mohr (good), Theo Von, Kate Upton, Bobby Lee, Brian Van Holt & Gata) & the focus of an admittedly implausible softball tournament, he changes the direction of his life. In his third film as director (and the second that he also wrote) Lije Sarki gets his point across with a refreshing edge of authenticity while avoiding the usual cheesie genre clichés. This is a solid yet understated film.

Firstly there are some great acting performances in this film which really caught me by surprise. Johnny Knoxville in some of the more dramatic scenes were pretty good. With that said there are some actors that were just plain awful which is kinda the norm for a film like this.

The plot had its moments that kept it watchable, but also a few that were too forced. I feel like maybe if they added 30 more minutes they would have had a more complex story arch and would have corrected these issues.

Sometimes while watching it felt like a hallmark channel film with all the "sweetness" but the same time the subject and language wouldn't make it as such. Overall I did enjoy but could have been better.

I wasn't expecting a Jackass movie but I also wasn't expecting Johnny Knoxville to act as well as he did either. This movie was a lot better than I expected.

I wasn't expecting a Jackass movie but I also wasn't expecting Johnny Knoxville to act as well as he did either. This movie was a lot better than I expected.

I wasn't expecting a Jackass movie but I also wasn't expecting Johnny Knoxville to act as well as he did either. This movie was a lot better than I expected.

I wasn't expecting a Jackass movie but I also wasn't expecting Johnny Knoxville to act as well as he did either. This movie was a lot better than I expected.

Johnny Knoxville definitely rocked his acting chops off here and had me tearing up several times as one who has lived with addicts, and been one myself. This movie means well and does not do more than it's intended theme.

While I knew Mr. Knoxville had it in him to act well, he really showed some crazy depth in this movie. Bobby Lee and Theo Von were nice additions but honestly, the other supporting actors really brought it. Don't go into this expecting to laugh your butt off the whole time as the more serious parts could catch you off guard.

Recommend for drama lovers and those looking to get sober and have something to relate to.

I was looking for something light-hearted and entertaining to watch. Maybe with a few feels and some laughs. The trailer made me think of Major League but toned down and a little more staid. It was not that at all but am very glad of it.

I got a lot more. It turns out Johnny Knoxville can turn in a very good performance. Coupled with a great supporting cast that seemed to be directed almost as if ad-libbed. The scripting and end result is great.

Knoxville plays Morris, who we find staying at a rehabilitation house attempting to get his life back by way of coaching his fellow housemates in a softball competition. The comedy is balanced well with the serious side of addiction, with a group of diverse but relatable characters. The result is a far more realistic portrayal of recovery without becoming overly dark. I never once thought it was depressing but, through my own experiences, never felt the subject was treated with anything but respect and honesty.

This one surprised me. Not what I was expecting but am very glad I found it.