Rush

Rush was a controversial film upon it's initial release. Scenes depicting drug use by police officers were denounced by the usual Fraternal Orders and right wing cranks. Those scenes are only part of what makes Rush such a memorable experience. Good performances from Jennifer Jason Leigh as a starry eyed rookie narc, Sam Elliott as her burned out boss, and especially Max Perlich as a construction worker making some extra bucks in the drug trade anchor a film that makes a mockery of our vain attempts to somehow end the importation and use of these illegal substances. When does use change into addiction? How far will we go to stop people from abusing their bodies, and how many lies must be told in the process? Rush is a brave and provocative film that tells it's story without histrionics, a minimum of gunplay, and a dearth of sensationalism...despite what Officer Friendly may say about it.

Although this story isn't about the average person's everyday life, in my opinion this film is one of the most realistic and interesting movies I have ever viewed. This tale takes place in Caterly, TX where two undercover detectives have found their chance to make a difference, but after becoming involved in this world they realize that right and wrong is not always black and white. This film is very close to my heart. There are no cheesy lines that you only here in movies where you find yourself thinking "who really talks like that?" The emotions displayed by these characters come across the screen as guanine and hit you where it hurts. Most of all this movie has an unbelievable soundtrack including hits from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh play two beat cops graduating to agents who are given a rather diabolical case on their first undercover go-around. The two are tasked with gathering enough evidence to jail a ruthless drug lord (Gregg Allman). The two go through a good amount of close calls with Allman and company and after trying heroin a few times; become full-fledged addicts. A move which prevents much of anything in the way of investigations to happen. A strong cast and keenly realized ending make up for the lull spots that seem to plague the very middle of the film.

Set in East Texas an undercover narcotics agent by the name of "Jim Raynor" (Jason Patric) is given an assignment to gather enough evidence to convict a well-connected drug dealer named "Will Gaines" (Greg Allman). Realizing the risks in an operation of this sort he chooses an attractive rookie cop by the name of "Kristen Cates" (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to be his partner. Although she is warned beforehand that the narcotics environment can drastically affect a person she agrees to accept the assignment in the naïve belief that she can "make a difference". Little does she know just how bad it will get for her and her partner as they descend into seamy world of drugs and addiction. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that I was very impressed with the raw and brutal nature of this film with both Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh put in outstanding performances in their respective roles. To a lesser extent I also liked the performance of Max Perlich (as the small-time drug dealer known simply as "Walker") as well. In any case, as mentioned earlier this film has some rather explicit scenes here and there but it definitely kept my attention from start-to-finish and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Above average.

Rush was definitely interesting to watch, though not always pleasant to look at. Set amidst the war on drugs, this film challenges us to rethink this battle. Are the wasted resources really worth the hypocrisy and corruption that go hand in hand with the arrests? The movie was not extraordinary, but I did go away haunted by many of the prevalent themes.

The relationship between the two undercover agents was very intriguing. I would have liked to have seen a bit more development before they became so involved, but nevertheless, their support of each other, alone in a world they don't belong in, is very interesting. Their different descents, and partial ascents accross the blurred line of addiction gives merit to the portrayal of this affliction. I would definitely recommend Rush for those who have second thoughts about the war on drugs. This film shows us that the worlds of the law breakers and the law enforcers may not be so far apart after all.