Bristol Boys

I saw this movie at a screening in NY and it is Indie film-making, so, first off, you've got to love Indie movies! Tom Guiry (Mystic River) plays 'Little Man' in this one and I must say that this kid is one hell of an incredible actor! He pulls off scenes with strength, emotion and intent where a lesser actor maybe would have faltered given the text, he somehow finds ways to draw real feeling into each scene. The rest of the cast from Max Casella (Doogie Howser) to Will Janowitz (Sopranos)to Dean Winters (Oz) bold well in their respective roles playing them to the bone. The story was interesting, although, there were some moments that seemed a little forced, this film comes to a blistering crescendo leaving you wanting to see a follow up film about the present day lives of the Bristol Boys.

I bought this movie simply because it was filmed in Bristol, Ct., where I grew up (parents still live there). It's not a bad film overall. It has a bit of an independent film feel to it, but, really, that's to be expected. I think of the film now as a story about a much smaller scale Scarface.

I read on here that some people were shocked that Bristol could be the home of such a drug scene and things like that could be going on. They shouldn't be. I now live in small town in West Texas, and there just as bad a drug scene here as anywhere. This movie goes towards showing the overall American drug culture that exists nearly everywhere.

The only thing that bothered me about the film was its lack of an apology for what was done in selling dope. The filmmaker acknowledges his involvement with the main character, and there are interviews with some of the real-life people who inspired the characters of the life. There is a total lack of any sense that what they were doing was wrong. The interviews with the behind the scenes people, and the film itself, seem to wear their involvement with the drug culture as badge of pride. Rather than any remorse or repentance for what they did or were once a part of, they seem proud to have been a part of that scene. To me, this goes to the heart of the problem in America.

There seems to be a lack of understanding that selling drugs is wrong. Most people seem to take the stand that if people want it, you should sell it to them. I've known girls who date drug dealers simply because the dealers have money to spend on them. Until this attitude changes, there will continue to be a drug problem in this country.

I don't necessarily think the police were presented unfairly in the film, as has been mentioned elsewhere, particularly if you look at through the lens of someone in the drug culture. The police are presented in a way that one of the sellers, with an us versus them mentality, would see it.

The film is worth a look if you live in Bristol or haven't seen too many drug culture movies. It may open your eyes, or simply acknowledge something you're already aware of. Just don't take any pride in having been there.