As a history of the beginnings of Alcoholics Anonymous, this movie is okay, but it is the intense Emmy-winning performance of James Woods in the lead role that makes it well worth watching. I’ve been told it is required viewing in some rehab centers, and I can see why. As Bill Wilson (Woods) rises to the top then slides to the bottom of a bottle, we see up close the devastation of this illness on his family, friends and coworkers. Meeting alcoholic doctor Bob Smith (James Garner) turns both of their lives around. The movie is not pretentious at all. It simply puts fortb a gritty vision of reality for the viewer to reflect upon. Coming from a family that has battled alcoholism, I’m glad I saw this.