Impulso sensual

This movie The Boost is a cautionary tale for not just about drug addiction, but also for everybody who is new in this town called Los Angeles by following 4 simple rules. First when somebody offers you an opportunity, don't blow it , Second is manage your money wisely and not spend it on things and are not worth spending, Third hang around with people who are trustworthy and want to support you on succeeding, and not of people who you think you trust is going to suck you dry and giving you something you should not take. and lastly don't do drugs. 4 simple rules that everybody must follow when you're new to this city. It has nothing to do whether you're rich or poor, it's about staying alive and following the right path.

While today this movie may seem a bit dated, and yes, it is a little over the top, with a thin story line, the message is important.

James Woods is excellent, always assimilates the character he is portraying (I was reminded of his film "The Story of Bill W.", about the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous). Sean Young is also good, looks lovely, and portrays the put upon wife who ends up saving herself.

The business deals, and his rapid rise and fall are probably exaggerated, but the audience sees a former success "hitting bottom", which for some substance abusers, can take either a year, or a decade. The fact that Woods portrays an "äverage guy" who is just trying to get ahead, is realistic; he doesn't plan to live in a seedy apartment near Hollywood Boulevard; it is a long way from NY , or Wilshire Boulevard.

Some cameos are also excellent; Steven Hill is Woods' mentor, starting him on the fast track, Grace Zabriskie portrays an eccentric neighbor; John Kapelos plays the former "friend" from Woods' halcyon days.

Initially this movie was panned mercilessly; I find that over the years certain movies resonate the time period they depict, and while this was not a blockbuster film, like Oliver Stone's "Wall Street", (which was released the year before) it at least has a message, and several decent performances which deserve credit.

I once lived in LA in 1987 and a friend of mine was working on the film The Boost. He asked if I would be interested in being in it, and I took him up on the offer. I was an extra and can be seen in the background of the "pool party" scene (my other up close scene was edited out of the final product). I only worked two nights at a mansion leased for the film from a professional golfer, and was witness to the behind-the-scenes antics of Hollywood. The strangest behavior was actually after the film wrap, when a doll was found hanging on the doorstep of James Woods' home, along with threats which were linked to a specific someone working on the film. Just for the record, James Woods was extremely friendly to all of us on the set. A true gentleman.

I appreciated this movie more after the second viewing. Although dark, it leaves a powerful statement. James Woods is a silver-tongued real estate salesman that for the first time in his life he is successful and rolling in money. So much money and so quick, he turns to cocaine to stay in high gear. His wife (Sean Young)wishes things could stay plain and simple; but after slipping into the high life, she too needs drugs to remain functional. Steven Hill is the mentor that suddenly is disgusted with Woods character. The profitable real estate business dries up leaving Woods ass deep in debt and no way to support his drug habit. Woods finally clean and sober still can't repair the damage done to his life and marriage.

John Kapelos and Kelle Kerr are noteworthy in support. Woods is dynamic and very convincing. Young on the other hand seems quite bland and exhibits little acting skills. Young however is not afraid to get naked! THE BOOST is dark, moody and all too realistic.

This film has suffered some unjustified criticism.

Woods and Young are really doing great performances, as usual. One criticist stated that it was difficult to see any difference between J Woods "before" and "after", just as with J Nicholson in "the Shining". He may be true there, but taking things not too seriously, this is a believable and well-acted movie. To put it simply: It could have happened in real life.

I wouldn't rate this as a masterpiece, but given the good performances of Young and Woods, it's clearly above average.

Yes, it is an anti-drug film, but if you are against drugs you should see it. If you're pro-drugs, it is even more important for you to see it!