I think Smashed starts off pretty rough, and the first ten minutes or so don't really have much of an impact. But the film manages to hit its emotional levels pretty hard from then on, and the characters become some truly fascinating and heartbreaking people to watch. I've never really seen Mary Elizabeth Winstead do any worthy acting. Not that she's bad, but I had no idea she was capable of doing what she does here. Of course, it didn't come as a surprise after waiting months for it because of the hype built around her performance. I found some of her drunk moments unconvincing though. Not all, but a few didn't work for me. But even with those flaws, she gives one of the best leading female turns of 2012, and her AA meeting scenes are brilliant, especially her first AA introduction. That scene alone is worth several nominations. Being a huge fan of Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad, I don't think this role was anything out of the ordinary for him, but boy does he make an impact. I'm surprised that he's actually on Winstead's level in several of their scenes together, and they play off each other brilliantly. Spencer also did some fine work, nice to see her here. I found Nick Offerman unconvincing though, and didn't buy him at all.
Overall, very well acted, really good film.
Overall, very well acted, really good film.