Cynical dark comedy "Better Living Through Chemistry" stands out against other foul-mouthed, indie-ish capers for one reason: Sam Rockwell.

| Aug 22, 2018

If nothing else, the directors have assembled an impressive, if underutilized cast.

| Original Score: 2/10 | Sep 7, 2014

It's got some of the comic-noir-y small town murder plot of 'To Die For' without the payoff. It's got some of the male midlife crisis of 'American Beauty' without the nuance.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 21, 2014

Some chemicals, when combined, manage only to become inert.

| Apr 4, 2014

It takes only half-hearted jabs at suburban angst and the pharmaceutical industry in favor of feel-good cuteness.

| Mar 25, 2014

Better Living Through Chemistry seems all too happy to paddle around in the shallow end and ape much more significant works, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Mar 24, 2014

There are plenty of fine comedic moments in Better Living, it's just that the deeper exploration of life, expectations of and pursuit of happiness is as rote and exciting as getting a prescription filled.

| Original Score: 5.5/10 | Mar 20, 2014

It has all the elements for a crackerjack neo-noir about an apothecary who foolishly attempts to fill a prescription for murder. But there's something missing, namely a script that's little more than a formulaic potion.

| Original Score: C | Mar 16, 2014

A classic case of a film trying to have it both ways on an audience.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 14, 2014

It's a comedy that OD's on its own smug sense of entitlement.

| Mar 14, 2014

The film is so divorced from the way humans actually behave that even the starring presence of Sam Rockwell can't save it.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 14, 2014

When screenwriting manuals and college courses admonish aspiring filmmakers to use narration sparingly, if at all, and to show rather than tell, they're talking about movies like the dreadful new quirk-fest Better Living Through Chemistry.

| Original Score: 1.0/5 | Mar 14, 2014

"Better Living Through Chemistry" as a whole feels rather superficial and safe.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Mar 14, 2014

"Better Living" never seems to know how seriously to take Doug's downward spiral - we get mixed signals on its commitment to its black-comedy potential. And the resolution feels wishy-washy.

Full Review | Mar 14, 2014

By the time the film gets to its ridiculous stretch of an ending, we've all seen the great fun to be had with drugs while also learning of their danger. How convenient. How empty.

| Original Score: C- | Mar 14, 2014

Sam Rockwell's committed performance can't save the glib debut of filmmakers Geoff Moore and David Posamentier.

| Mar 14, 2014

An ill-conceived if mildly amusing comedy about middle-class ennui, sexual frustration, and drug abuse.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 14, 2014

A tepid but pleasant comic satire given a shot of contemporaneity by its writing and directing team, Geoff Moore and David Posamentier, and its star Sam Rockwell.

| Mar 13, 2014

Too bad; with this cast, "Better Living Through Chemistry" could have been a lot more fun.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 13, 2014

It's tough to feel pity for a guy who blames everyone else for his misery, and even harder to appreciate filmmakers who encourage his entitlement.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 13, 2014