Likable Sandra Bullock takes the dramatic route in 28 Days, a film about rehab that pales in comparison to films like Clean and Sober and When a Man Loves a Woman. In it's defense, 28 Days tries to be more lighthearted than those pictures, but that's part of the problem.

At one moment, this film tries to be a laugh out loud comedy, while trying to treat a serious subject with respect. Bullock fares better in this than she did in the lackluster Hope Floats, but it takes her too much time to settle into the role. As the film opens, she does nothing more than play the stereotypical drunk. As the film progresses, however, there seems to be more depth to her character.

Sorely lacking in 28 Days were more scenes with the wonderful Steve Buschemi. He adds a lot of humanity to this story. Also holding the film back is the unnecessary comic relief supplied by the under written and all to familiar gay character. 28 Days has moments of power, but not enough to fully recommend. It's on par with Girl Interrupted, another film about people fighting illness and finding strength in each other.