The movie criminally wastes Sam Neill and Rosamund Pike in barely there supporting roles, and the picture has exactly two tones: grim and gooey. They do not coexist harmoniously.

Whatever the intent of the filmmakers, a story that hinges on existential despair requires at least a modicum of emotional credulity.

As British comedy sometimes will, "A Long Way Down" has an occasional attack of the cutes, but the actors' commitment keeps the movie on the plus side.

Butchering its Nick Hornby based source material, the end result is an aggravating chore to sit through.