Thanks for Sharing - Review

Thanks for Sharing is a film by Stuart Blumberg.  It will hit the cinemas later this year and when it does I would go and see it. I really enjoyed this film, it dealt with issues not often publicised, it gave you enough of an insight without making you feel depressed. Unlike many American films it didn't finish on the usual - everything turns out right in the end!
The film follows the story of three couples, four of whom are sex addicts and are following, or trying to follow a 12 step program. They have a support group and sponsors to help them through. The story gives a light hearted look at what a sex addict has to go through and how it effects their relationships. It also touches on other addictions like alcohol and drug abuse and how these have effected family life. It is not all good news, the film shows what happens when things start to go wrong and how quickly people can fall back into bad habits and the addiction takes over once more.  You can't help but like all the characters in this film even with their flaws.
Mark Ruffalo plays the main character Adam. Adam is a five year veteran of the 12 step program and is encouraged by his sponsor Mike played by Tim Robbins, to find a girlfriend. Adam is terrified that he will not be able to control his addiction if he starts seeing somebody. Of course he does fall in love with Phoebe, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. Phoebe doesn't really help matters by being rather playful and teases Adam. Most men will enjoy much of the film as Gwyneth parades in black lace underwear! Mike is also a sex addict and former alcoholic. He has been married to Katie,  played by Joely Richardson, since his teens and has a son Danny, played by Patrick Fugit, who re-appears after not seeing his parents for several years.  Danny is a reformed drug addict and has the daunting task of building trust with his parents.  Then there is Neil, played by Josh Gad, who doesn't believe he really has much of a problem until he looses his job and reality hits him. He finds support in another addict a woman, Dede played by Alecia Moore (Pink). The two of them have some great one liners and though they clearly struggle with their additions, they give the film most of it's humour. This was Alecia's first movie role. She played the role very well, it is almost as if it was written with her in mind.
The characters in this film are all very believable and work very naturally together, the film flows and intertwines the lives very neatly.  If you only enjoy a good action movie then this isn't for you, but if you like a good story, slightly edgy but light-hearted then this is definitely for you.