SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

A different way of telling a story

What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

I didn't buy either of those actors as white trash. I like Matt Dillon, but as others have said, he doesn't have much range. Meanwhile, the lady dated a psychotic pill pusher previously, and the guy, even when healthy, gambled his good job money away.These are not the problems of the "working poor," per say. These are the problems of white trash. Not all working poor date psychos, and not all handicapped types spend their days officiating sack races and guzzling booze.The working poor do struggle, but they usually do so in more dignity, make efforts to improve their habits, and purchase condoms. These people did contribute to their own destitution in substantial ways. America did not do it to them. If the lady film maker feels that it's America's fault, wouldn't she have to blame the Leftist Messiah who had eight years to solve this stuff?Having said all that, I did buy the convenience store workers and the motel dwellers. They all seemed real. There just was not enough character development or original challenges, to keep me interested. At least in that Netflix show Justified, characters went deep into introspection and contemplated the nature of life and God.

I wanted to review this movie because it was such a nice surprise to enjoy it after I had avoided seeing it due to the low rating here.This is a really original movie, with solid performances by the lead actors. From the IMDb summary you know the basis of the film, whats original about it is it does not focus overly on the negative - depressing themes etc. Due to the characters being in a low income, 'poor' demographic of society, so many movies are made with a view of looking down, pity, there is something wrong and these people need to change.This film is very real but not negative or depressing. It shows that just because a couple is not living the American dream, it does not mean their lives don't include fun, love, laughter etc regularly. There was no bullshit in this movie, no 'Hollywoodness'. And I liked it. Its so good Matt Damon and Naomi Watts take on films like this.I'd rate it a 7, but give it an 8 here to boost the rating!

I know both Naomi Watts and Matt Dillon look young for their age, but the fact is when this movie was made, in 2013, Matt is close to 50 and Naomi is in her mid-40's! I liked this movie, but I had a real problem with the ages of the actors! Only a couple in their 20's, 30's at the latest, would have these problems!! What were the writers thinking?? I mean, an unplanned pregnancy at her age?? And such financial difficulties?? Homelessness? Living with her Mother? At their age?? Ridiculous! Even with him being disabled. And speaking of that, SURELY he'd be getting a little more money for his disability. I don't know. I love these actors, so I liked the movie for that reason. But their ages really threw me off!!

This movie is depressing. However, it is realistic. People who live in the better parts of Washington, New York, San Francisco, Denver, etc, or most suburbs anywhere need to realize that the everyday life of a very, very large number of Americans is what is depicted in this film. Move to Youngstown OH, or Odessa TX, or any of a thousand other cities and you will see what America is really like. It is not the Hamptons, or Hyannis Port, or Beverly Hills, or Knob Hill, or McLean, or ......... What is sad is that these low-life ignorant people don't even realize what is best for them. They continue their downward spiral with booze (cheap), drugs (oxy, meth, crack), stupid behavior (breeding more of the same) and even voting against their own best interests (i.e. Republican).Watts, as usual, is superb - she is clearly one of the two or three best living actresses today. Dillon's performance was as good as his best. Tess Harper was great as well.The film is not really entertaining - there is not a single likable character. The plot is not a story, i.e. it has no real beginning or end; it is not a mystery, it is not a Jane Austin romance, it is not a comedy, etc. Nonetheless, I would recommend it purely so that upper and middle class America can see the life of what may well be the majority of Americans.