Review by John Delia
Bringing sexual addiction to the forefront Thanks For Sharing spins a story that in the past decades has been a taboo. The film takes a chance that the subject matter may be a turnoff, but like its relative alcoholism this addiction has become all too real in today’s changing society not to be accepted. The stellar cast helps the dramedy work from several angles including bringing awareness of the disease with dramatic meaningful performances and repercussions from not getting the proper help.
It’s been an uphill battle for Adam (Mark Ruffalo) who had been using porn to offset his desires for the intimate sex he craves, but with the help of his sponsor and recovering addict Mike (Tim Robbins) he has completed five years without a blip. With his business gaining solid ground, he’s still cautious about the possibility of slipping back so he still attends weekly meetings of SAA. Mike tells him it’s about time he start looking for someone to share his life with and Adam says he’ll consider the possibility.
At a meeting Adam takes on the sponsorship of Neil (Josh Gad), a young ER doctor who has been sent to SAA by the courts for groping a woman on a subway. Neil has been all encompassed with the disease, especially with not being overly attractive to women. In addition he really has had a hard time controlling the no masturbation SAA rule lying at meetings that he has progressed. Taking on Neil has been a chore for Adam and in the midst of the encompassing project meets Phoebe (Gwyneth Paltrow). When their relationship starts to take hold his attention to Neil and his job brings on anxiety.
Director Stuart Blumberg keeps his lead characters intertwined slowly inserting obstacles and some situation comedy. Working his actors to stellar performances, each makes their character important to the story. The make their roles believable dealing with the problems involving their own addiction while trying to catch those who are spiraling out of control. Blumberg achieves a good measure of realism to the cause making his film gripping yet inspiring at times.
The very good film serves the subject matter well, not overemotional while presenting all sides of how the psychologically driven invasive disease can destroy a person’s life. The film also shows the flipside of the coin where much like Alcoholism the problem can be conquered and kept at bay. But, what he achieves most is the kind of entertainment value that creates conversation on a topic that has been mostly taboo.
The whole cast does a great job including Blumberg’s smart choice of Alecia Moore (better known as the singer Pink) as Dede a recovering sex addict. Her rough exterior and impatience to kick the habit gives the film a comical tone at times. She creates this tattooed whirlwind who sticks her nose into Neil’s recovery techniques, using him to help her get clean of her own problem. She’s a lot of fun to watch on the big screen and I congratulate her for a great job in her first movie role.
Thank You for Sharing has been rated R by the MPAA for language and some strong sexual content. While the film is no means a documentary, the writer’s fictional story points out several triggers that are associated with sexual addiction and the reality that there are such groups available for those who would like to participate.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A well thought out, acted and entertaining film for adults. (B)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Gad, Joely Richardson, Alecia Moore
Directed by: Stuart Blumberg
Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy
MPAA Rating: R for language and some strong sexual content  Â
Running Time: 1 hr 52 min
Opening Date: September 20, 2013
Distributed by: Lionsgate