Prescription Thugs

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2:03

Prescription Thugs

2016

1h 26m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

69%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

67%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Filmmaker Chris Bell examines the pharmaceutical industry and prescription-drug addiction in America.

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Martin Tsai

Los Angeles Times

Despite his casual aura, the filmmaker is eloquent and thoughtful.

Jan 21, 2016

Full Review

Neil Genzlinger

New York Times

Even before a "do as I say, not as I do" twist costs it all credibility, "Prescription Thugs" is a not very good documentary about a very important subject.

Jan 21, 2016

Full Review

Nick Schager

Variety

Engaging and enraging but also, alas, consistently superficial, it's a hot-button work whose easily digested nonfiction methods will appeal to mainstream documentary audiences, even if they also leave viewers hungry for greater substance.

Jan 20, 2016

Full Review

Maria Vultaggio

International Business Times

If you want to see a documentary about the director's life and how drugs affected him personally, then go see this film. If you're looking for something about what society can do to combat a problem that has turned into an epidemic, look the other way.

Feb 6, 2017

Full Review

Dana Barbuto

The Patriot Ledger

You'll be hooked from the get-go. But like that elusive high, you're left wanting more.

Rated: B

Feb 2, 2016

Full Review

Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

... lacks focus and depth in several spots, but it touches on some important topics in a way that's both accessible and persuasive.

Jan 29, 2016

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Audience Member

i wanna get off all my pillz.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Great subject, although poorly executed. The film was very one sided and lacked scientific perspective. The homeopathic doctor's interview threw all credibility out the window...

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The very personal focus detracts, at times, from the greater narrative and you cant help but feel that this could have been more skillfully handled. Having said that, its a deeply important documentary that still exposes the deep corruption of the medical industry today. Vital as a piece of information that needs to be heard, less vital as a 'how to' on documentaries.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/16/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is an unbelievably terrible documentary. I hate to break it to the people in this documentary, but addiction is a disease. And doctors did not create your addiction. This film is disgusting and inaccurate. There is no medical accuracy in this film and it is unfortunate that so many people are taking the information presented as truth.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excellent documentary done by an average middle class who've experienced the tragedy of addiction, societies inability to research the consequences, both positive & negative, of the drugs we're pewscribed. Enjoyed the entire family - well done!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Eye-opening documentary about a topic not discussed enough. It was repetitive in places until the message felt drilled in. I wish those moments had been used to investigate further. The personal stories from different walks of life did help to give an idea of how many people this is affecting though. I hope it influences more documentaries, throws a spotlight on the problem and initiates change.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

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Chris Bell

Director

Jeff Hatch

Actor

Chris Leben

Actor

Matthew Wiese

Actor

Josh Alexander

Co-Director

Greg Young

Co-Director

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Prescription Thugs: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Filmmaker Chris Bell examines the pharmaceutical industry and prescription-drug addiction in America.

Director: Chris Bell
Producer: Chris Bell, Daniel J. Chalfen, Greg Young
Screenwriter: Josh Alexander
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films
Production Co: Naked Edge Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 22, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 15, 2016
Runtime: 1h 26m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS

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