Part of the Game

I have seen the devastation of drug addiction - the pain it causes in families who have been touched by it and this film touched a chord in me. It is beside the point that it is low budget; it is beside the point that technically it does not measure up to the Hollywood movies; it is beside the point that maybe there aren't enough camera angles, something I would never even notice as a viewer; it is beside the point that it doesn't have cool special effects and a number of other high cost production perks; it is beside the point that there are no "big name Hollywood notables". However, it is the point that a group of people got together with whatever their talents, be they raw or experienced, great or small, to tell a story that has an impact. This is what counts in life. So, if you must judge this movie for what it lacks instead of the message it sends, you have missed the point.

Finally - a movie that doesn't show the stereotypical view of the drug business. Writer/director/producer Rick Alyea's vision is inspiring. He uses a very simple plot line and his lead character Robert (played by talented young actor Richard de Klerk) to show that not all who have chosen the path of wholesaling drugs are cold, pompous, hardened criminals. It is de Klerk's performance that fulfills the tag line: "For everyone with an addiction there is hope" as he embodies the human side of Robert's dilemma, whether to continue in his extremely lucrative illegal business or help his sister Janice (Jovanna Huguet, who gives a very believable performance of a drug addicted teen). The film was not only moving but enlightening. I'm sure many may be able to identify with this story, whether it is because they have been touched by drugs personally or through knowing someone with a drug addiction problem. I definitely recommend this movie.

This film was absolutely fantastic. It really makes you think about life and the choices that one makes in life. It is one of the few movies that I have seen lately where I didn't take my eyes off the screen. The acting is phenomenal,especially the characters who play Robert (Richard de Klerk) and Janice(Jovanna Huguet)Richard de Klerk's performance rivets the viewer right until the end of the film, he is an incredible actor. For a film that is low budget it is truly remarkable what the film maker Rick Alyea was able to do.The film looks so professional that it makes you think, who needs big budgets to pull off an amazing film that is absolutely riveting. Basically this is a wonderful movie that is a must see!!!

Wow! I was so amazed by the poodle from Canada's comments that I decided that I had to comment. I am not usually the type to comment but I felt I had to as I don't think that this person was at the same film . I was blown away by Richard de Klerk's performance. He carried the movie and I am glad to see that I wasn't the only one that thought so, as he got a round of applause for his incredible performance at the fest. I definitely agree that the other performers were good as well. As a person in the industry I went into the theatre fully expecting a stellar directing job from the director of the film as many of the independent films at the fest showed, but I was sadly disappointed. As the end credits began to roll I started to analyze the work and found that really the actors are what made the movie. Had it not been for the talent of Richard de Klerk, Jovanna Huguet, Richard Johnson and Heather Feeney (and yes Colin Lawrence was great too, very sexy!) the film would not have been worth seeing as the directing was clearly not up to snuff and it was up to the actors to make up for it. There were shots that really weren't planned out right and scenes that could have been far better had they been directed differently. I say I hope Richard de Klerk continues to choose roles like this cause not only can he handle it he makes it look stellar!

It's my second bad rating today.

I really hate doing this, but I hate even more seeing things like "rating 8/10 by 45 votes" for one really lousy movie. I wonder who gave this votes, may be the movie crew itself?

On the Subject:

1) It's a low budget movie.

2) Unknown (at least for me) actors with bad performance.

3) No special FX, low cost cameras.

4) Long scenes from the same point of view (like the number of cameras was very limited)

Sorry, but I prefer a well done stupid movie (Hollywood style) than a movie with good potential and very bad realization which is the case here. There is no excuse to make a movie without regards to any current technical standards only because it's not a Hollywood production. There are many good movies without using "state of the art" equipment, but this one is away from them. It looks like an unprofessional work to me.

I hope my comment prevents people from being misled like me by the high score here.

I really regret watching this movie. Pure waste of time.