Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald

My wife is always pestering me to rent movies SHE will like, so I used the Netflix "recommendation" feature and found "Upside of Anger."

A wise choice. We both enjoyed the film. It is beautifully acted, filmed, and scored. Plus, you get to see what it might be like to live in a house with a separated mom and four beautiful daughters. An interesting situation!

I was initially attracted to the film because of the presence of both Joan Allen (The Mists of Avalon) and Kevin Costner (Open Range). Allen is a terrific actress, and Costner has been one of my favorites ever since he made the highly entertaining Waterworld.

The story is a bit soap-opera-ish, but that's OK. The script and performances are witty enough to help you get over that. I especially enjoyed Costner's performance as the seedy retired baseball player who constantly knocks on Allen's back door with an open can of beer in one hand.  I've known people like this -- and have enjoyed every minute of their company.