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The Upside of Anger

Play trailer Poster for The Upside of Anger R 2005 2h 1m Comedy Drama Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
74% Tomatometer 179 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
After her husband runs off with his secretary, Terry Wolfmeyer (Joan Allen) is left to fend for herself -- and her four daughters (Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, Erika Christensen, Alicia Witt). As she hits rock bottom, Terry finds a friend and drinking buddy in next-door neighbor Denny (Kevin Costner), a former baseball player. As the two grow closer, and her daughters increasingly rely on Denny, Terry starts to have reservations about where their relationship is headed.
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The Upside of Anger

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Critics Consensus

A comedy/ drama for grown-ups, with fine performances by Joan Allen and Kevin Costner.

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Critics Reviews

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Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard May 4, 2007
3/5
Very watchable. Go to Full Review Independent (UK) May 4, 2007
3/5
The final twist is misjudged, and it doesn't cohere at any level; but some funny moments. Go to Full Review Tim Robey Daily Telegraph (UK) May 4, 2007
This is well worth investigating. Go to Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Sep 26, 2020
3.0/4.0
An intelligent drama. Go to Full Review Micheal Compton Bowling Green Daily News Nov 18, 2019
The Upside of Anger is bright, funny, and a very touching film that features some quality performances. Go to Full Review Megan Basham National Review Feb 6, 2018
The Upside of Anger is truly something special. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Robert P @Superbad 5 days ago The Upside of Anger is a 3.5 star Movie! See more Mark B @Thelaser555 Sep 10, 2026 Joan Allen is a highly tuned Ferrari to Kevin Costner's oily old 70s sports car in terms of characters but that's what you love about this movie- opposites attract and Costner becomes Allen's 'bit of rough' after her husband runs off with his secretary and abandons Allen with her four grown up daughters. Costner knows how to play ex-baseball star Denny Davies perfectly. And how to handle the fizzing, crackling Allen (Terry Wolfmeyer) who puts her foot in her mouth every time she starts talking. It's the way that she is. Smart, sassy, outspoken and no sufferer of fools- despite her predicament. But slowly but surely she comes to depend and need Costner for what he is- a big, nice rock of a man, who is a good listener, can tolerate Terry's mood swings and bad temper and more importantly, loves her for what she is. This isn't a slushy love film. Far from it. Great performances from Costner and Allen makes this one, very watchable movie from start to finish. See more Carrington B @CarringtonBrigham Aug 3, 2026 Classic. Great acting. Great movie of the times post modernism gold. See more Joseph B. @jbriskey May 7, 2026 Boring, depressing, and pretentious. See more Frans B @FransB Jun 9, 2025 Great movie with stellar cast who all shines convincingly. Great cinematography, very well written. Enough drama and wit to entertain adult audience, nice and easy viewing. Will surely recommend See more R T @RT03858928 Jan 14, 2025 I wasn't aware of either actors but this movie is well worth watching See more Read all reviews
The Upside of Anger

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Cast & Crew

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Mike Binder

Director

Joan Allen

Terry Wolfmeyer

Kevin Costner

Denny Davies

Erika Christensen

Andy Wolfmeyer

Evan Rachel Wood

Lavender "Popey" Wolfmeyer

Keri Russell

Emily Wolfmeyer

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The Upside of Anger

The Upside of Anger (2005) The Upside of Anger (2005) The Upside of Anger (2005) (left to right) Keri Russell as "Emily", Joan Allen as "Terry", Evan Rachel Wood as "Popeye" and Erika Christensen as "Andy" in New Line Cinema's upcoming comedic drama, The Upside of Anger. (left to right) Keri Russell as "Emily", Joan Allen as "Terry", Erika Christensen as "Andy" and Evan Rachel Wood as "Popeye" in New Line Cinema's upcoming comedic drama, The Upside of Anger. View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After her husband runs off with his secretary, Terry Wolfmeyer (Joan Allen) is left to fend for herself -- and her four daughters (Keri Russell, Evan Rachel Wood, Erika Christensen, Alicia Witt). As she hits rock bottom, Terry finds a friend and drinking buddy in next-door neighbor Denny (Kevin Costner), a former baseball player. As the two grow closer, and her daughters increasingly rely on Denny, Terry starts to have reservations about where their relationship is headed.
Director
Mike Binder
Producer
Jack Binder, Sammy Lee, Alex Gartner
Screenwriter
Mike Binder
Distributor
New Line Cinema
Production Co
VIP, Media 8 Entertainment, Zephyr Films
Rating
R
Genre
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 11, 2005, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Dec 1, 2010
Box Office (Gross USA)
$18.8M
Runtime
2h 1m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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