Michael Neumann This sort of topical cautionary fable usually plays better as a television movie-of-the-week, but here the Big Message is downplayed in favor of a frequently engrossing drama, presenting erstwhile funnyman Michael Keaton with a meaty character to cut his dramatic teeth on. Keaton plays a young high financier and substance abuser hiding from the authorities in a drug rehab center. The role allows him the opportunity for some colorful temper tantrums and histrionic withdrawal anxieties, and he responds with a high-strung performance anchored by an excellent cast of veteran co-stars. Half way into the film the screenplay meanders into an uncertain (if thankfully unsentimental) love story, but just before it can end happily ever after a surprise plot twist brings reality back with a jolt, leading to a bittersweet conclusion almost spoiled by an annoying, self-congratulatory epilogue. It may not win any battles in the war against drugs, but the film is a cut above the usual big screen temperance lesson.

namashi_1 Michael Keaton is one of my all-time favorites. I've loved him ever since I saw 'Batman', as a kid, I imagined being him while playing to be the dark knight. As I grew up, the late 1990's, Keaton was not being seen much in movies. But as a fan, I continued watching his movies. Be it his hits or flops, I followed the characters he portrayed.'Clean And Sober' is a film that makes me proud to be a Michael Keaton Fan. He delivers like never before. He plays his careers most important, message-oriented, complicated role in 'Clean And Sober'. He plays a hot-shot real estate dude, who's a drug-phony and has a lot to do with a recent death. Keaton gives this dark and selfish character so much of depth, that he over-takes the entire film. He is the life of the show.As a film 'Clean And Sober' caters to a niche audience. It's a mature film, that you begin to understand slowly. But it has terrific moments, superb dialogue, and as mentioned from the very start, Michael Keaton At His Very Best! Reccmended to all Keaton buffs out there, this is a performance that we can cherish about for a really long time.

Studioart81 Michael Keaton gave one of the best performances of his career in "Clean and Sober." It is amazing that he was not given anything close to an Oscar nomination for his role. He definitely deserved more recognition than he got. Nonetheless, he proves here he can do a serious role quite well.Keaton is Daryl Poynter, a yuppie real estate broker who is oblivious to his alcohol and cocaine addiction. He has embezzled $92,000 from the company escrow account and invested it in the stock market. But he lost this gamble, and now must quickly recover the money or face serious embezzlement charges and termination. As if that's not enough, he wakes up one morning to find a dead girl in his bed from an overdose (someone he partied with the night before). The police are on his case about the dead girl, the girl's father has posted fliers around the neighborhood branding Daryl a murderer, and his employers are about to discover his embezzlement. Daryl is in a bind, and needs to hide out for a while to straighten things out. He tries to leave town, but his credit cards are maxed out. He is turned away from staying at a friend's house, so he gets his own idea: a drug rehabilitation clinic promising discretion and confidentiality. Thus, he takes advantage of it.The catch is that Daryl does not think he has a problem, and only wants to hide out in the clinic rather than face the music. His saving grace may be counselor and former addict Craig, played by Morgan Freeman. Craig is a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is type of person, and has seen and heard all of Daryl's lies and tricks. Daryl must play by the rules and face his addiction, or get expelled from the facility. He begins his slow transformation when he meets Charlie Standers, played by Kathy Baker, in rehab. Charlie operates a steel mill crane, and lives with an abusive addict boyfriend named Lenny. When Daryl gets to know her better, he offers her a way out of her situation. He also comes to like her, although she does not feel the same way about him right away. But controlling someone else's problems and destinies is next to impossible (even a bit conceited), as Daryl finds out the hard way and through his AA sponsor Richard, played by M. Emmet Walsh. Will he see the light and admit to his problems before it's too late? Can Charlie find the courage to leave Lenny, or is she headed toward destruction?I highly recommend "Clean and Sober" for anyone who has ever had a substance abuse problem, knows someone who has, or is a family member or friend of an addict. No matter the circumstances, this film is truly a wonderful depiction of the consequences involved with addictions of any kind. The good news is that if one is willing to admit to their problems and get help, with consistent effort there is light at the end of the tunnel. A terrific film with realistic people and challenges!

senor_small this movie was very dark, but, it shows and teaches you how bad drugs really are. michael keaton is sent to drug rehab, for his strong drug abuse and use through people he had talked to, and strangers, and the rehab tries to teach him a lesson to learn. morgan freeman is wonderful in this movie, as another man in the rehab with keaton. very strong, compelling drama, that is very watchable, and intersting.