Intoxicating

As someone who has grown up with parents in AA this film is as close to the reality of it all as I have seen. Lead Actor Kirk Harris' performance is at once incredible and should be star making. The stories centers around a young doctor with a large appetite for drugs and alcohol. His arrogance is offset by the love he has for his dying father played by John Savage. Eric Roberts does a terrific job as his drug dealer. A guy who lives in the suburbs and who looks anything but a drug dealer. It is clearly the best Eric Roberts has been in a film since Runaway Train. The visuals of the film give the frantic life of the lead character a whole other level usually not seen in independent film. The hip hop soundtrack adds an extremely modern edge to this film as well. It was odd but cool to see hip hop artists rap over the tale of a caucasian doctor. I applaud the filmmakers for being this eclectic and having the courage to take on this heart wrenching subject matter. The film reminds me of another of my all time favorites in Leaving Las Vegas. I would also recommend it to anyone who dug Requiem for a Dream or the lost gem Clean and Sober.

Let me start by saying I am not a fan of "down and out stories" (ie I didn't care for Leaving Las Vegas). This one is certainly a down and out story with a twist. That being the substance abuser in this film is a surgeon. Which is quite a scary thought. I scored the film an "eight" largely because of the incredibly realistic portrayal of the surgeon by the lead actor. Also, enjoyed Eric Roberts being subtle for change. Kinda like in his glory days. This film reminds me of how terrific an actor he is. The film could have been better with different set of lead actresses. Not that they were bad just not anywhere near the level of the lead actor or other members of the cast. Not for everyone but I would recommend giving the film a look. If not just to make you wary of being under a surgeon's care.

This was a movie all about drugs and relationships! It was OK. I got a advance copy of the DVD and it's just a OK movie. The actors are good in it but very bland! If you want to do a character study on the subject of drugs rent or buy this movie, if not it is a interesting movie, but it's kinda boring at times but intense at the same time! I LOVE Eric Roberts and every movie he is in I watch! He was very good! So if you like drug movies and Eric Roberts WATCH IT! Also I have to give Mark David a lot of credit. It a strong subject and hard to do! It's directed pretty good and the actors are good, but look for the actors to do better projects, but I look forward to Mark David next feature!

I was just reading an article on addiction and doctors when I rented this one...

How appropriate. Never heard of it before and was surprised. A much better film than the cover (which looked kinda "B". It is obviously a low budget film but certainly has heart and good performances. Dug that it wasn't afraid to be a little sexy too. A tad slow for a commercial film. Had a late sixties/early seventies feel to it (sans the hip hop soundtrack) which made me dig it all the more. Online I found a mention that the film was based on a true story. If that is so it is actually quiet a scary film.

Actually, not as bad as I expected. Bookended by two "C List" stars from the 80's(John Savage/Eric Roberts) the plot predictably lurches through the expected scrutiny of lines, pills and booze. This whole subject has been covered and recovered numerous times before-sometimes better, and sometimes worse. However, this film seems to forget one essential element of the genre. Where was the clamor to 'Get Treatment!'? In this film, good honest work is presented as a solution to his problem without even the suggestion of therapy. The entire medical profession seems to believe that it is entirely beyond the realm of possibility that an individual can overcome an addiction without help. Is this film suggesting a new avenue, or is it just sloppy film-making? I think the latter.