A Thousand Junkies

Amazing story about the futility of the drug war. While not as graphic as it could be this film clearly demonstrates how the criminalization of a medical issue impacts us all. While it does have some funny bits the message is clear...end this drug war now.

I get it that some other reviewers call this unrealistic, I really do. They probably saw their share of desperate junkies, I did as well, so comparing their life to this movie just doesn't work. The reality of heroin addiction is much worse and harsher than shown in this movie. But nevertheless A Thousand Junkies is well made, it's interesting to watch, it has some decent acting, and even though they don't look like hardcore-beyond-saving heroin addicts there are very recognizable stereotypes portrayed in this movie. The constant lying, the fake promises, never having a dime in their pockets, always looking to con, steal or do whatever it needs to be done to get their next fix, it's like watching the daily routine of any street junkie. I've lived in a big city, saw dozens of those zombies, knew some personally that drifted away from being normal to become a waste of space, so for that the story is accurate, but the reality is just so much worse. A Thousand Junkies is just a soft impression of addiction but it's enjoyable to watch.

This is the most honest and important drug movie since Trainspotting or Drugstore Cowboy, only grittier and more confined to a day-in-the-life-of three addicts. A road movie for junkies, and a hilariously dark niche comedy. Personally, I dug every minute of it, and I hope more people check it out. Three junkies drive around LA in a beat up Volvo, on a mission to score heroin before the pained desperation of dope sickness takes over. Written, directed, acted by recovering addicts (director and star Tommy Swerdlow is a veteran Hollywood screenwriter who met the other guys in rehab) this gives the characters and situations an unfiltered authenticity. Sure, there's exaggeration for entertainment's sake, but the brilliant thing about this movie is how it uses humor to portray the 9-5 job of being a junkie without glamorizing or trivializing the life. It's the drug movie America doesn't know it needs right now. The film was shot guerrilla style on the streets of LA; busy avenues, rugged alleyways, and indoor swap meets, where real-life extras stand in the background of the shot, intrigued by the camera. This kind of filming gives the scenes a real-world grit and is a testament to the its indie spirit. The cast is brilliant. Many scenes are confined to the beat up Volvo, but the chemistry between the three leads makes whatever's happening (or not happening) fun to watch. The trio (Tommy, Moshe, and Blake) are obsessed with getting money to score drugs, and that crucial necessity is the glue that holds them together. The subject matter may be darker than Mexican tar but the witty banter and irrational antics keep things moving at a swift pace. There's more than a few clever moments of character development as well, where each character slips beyond the surface to unveil their deeper dimension. The score's comprised of acoustic Mexican folk tunes and instrumental jams that compliment the urban landscape well. At a time when our nation is in the grips of an opioid epidemic, when 100+ people die of overdoses each day, it's still taboo to be a drug user. It's still taboo to talk about addiction in an honest way. We can't sweep this reality under the flag no more, and whether you believe in the power of cinema or not, it takes guts and heart to make a movie like this. Kudos to The Orchard for putting this movie out, and to the filmmakers for making it.

First, all these guys are former addicts so the acting is top notch regarding the guys "playing" addicts. There is no real action here unless you count the action of living in active addiction which there is plenty of! There are no big names unless you count the cameos by Bill Pullman and Steven Weber. This film will not be for everybody, but I'm betting almost everyone has been affected by someone else's drug use. They really nailed the active "functioning" addict lifestyle in my opinion. It's good to have Mr. Swerdlow back, he's an obvious talent that needs to be noticed and I hope he continues writing and acting. TJ Bowen and Blake Heron are excellent, they basically play themselves I'm guessing and they have serious chops. Blake has previous acting experience but this appears to be TJ's fist time and he is just great in my opinion! It is a bit slow but it's not supposed to be fast....The main reason I like this film is because I can relate to it and the guys in it, I've been clean and sober a while now.I enjoyed this much more than many of the blockbusters being cranked out daily in Hwood.

I won't do a summary since there is already one.

Keep in mind if you live in SoCal you understand this is not really a true take on junkies (most of us here have one or more in the family) - it is a joke about junkies. And yes my opinion you should be able to joke about things without Everyone jumping on the PC police wagon.

This is something not to take serious, but crack a beer eat bbq, relax have a laugh - heck they even tossed in a Russian talking about the Armenians. The three characters pretty much covered most of the personality type - there is always one junkie worried about unpaid warrants and driving.

Cinematography/scene setting was done nicely, clothing/costumes realistic. It's all just a fun average weekend movie.