SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Madilyn Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Francene Odetta It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

Scott LeBrun Fairly compelling movie, scripted by Darryl Ponicsan from a book by none other than Ben Stein, is overall worth catching if for no other reason than to see the always excellent James Woods deliver another intense performance. He plays Lenny Brown, a hotshot salesman recruited by businessman Max Sherman (Steven Hill of the 'Law & Order' TV series) to sell real estate in California. Lenny has great success selling tax shelter investment deals to various people, but when the tax laws are changed, this marks the beginning of a sharp decline for Lenny. He ends up with very big money problems, and to try to forget his problems, he decides to start snorting cocaine and popping Quaaludes. As Lenny's situation just grows increasingly more grim and untenable, it becomes harder and harder for his wife Linda (Sean Young), an occasional user, to stand by him.Were it not for an actor of Woods's caliber, one may find it not too easy to sympathize with his character. As it is, Leonard Maltins' guide to movies points out that there's no major difference in Lenny before and after his drug addiction begins. Still, director Harold Becker, who'd previously worked with Woods on "The Onion Field" and "The Black Marble", does manage to keep you watching through all of the melodrama that develops. The film may be most notable for the off screen drama involving co-stars Woods and Young, but on screen they work together well enough. She's not exactly his match as an actor, but does look beautiful at all times. Hill is a standout in the decent supporting cast including John Kapelos, Kelle Kerr, John Rothman, Amanda Blake (in her final feature film), Grace Zabriskie, and an uncredited John Philbin. The music by Stanley Myers is one worthy component. In the end, it *is* commendable that the filmmakers are willing to get as grim as they do get, with seemingly no hope in sight.As a cautionary tale, this works to a degree, although the Maltin review is also right when it says that the film goes on for quite a bit before it becomes clear that's it's about dependency on drugs. It's an okay movie, with Woods raising the rating a bit by himself.Six out of 10.

bastonal-2 This film is right up there with The Oscar and Moment by Moment as one of unintentionally funny films of all time.It is worth the rental for a some wildly great laugh's.The story is absolutely ludicrous.nothing in life would happen like this.it's so completely unbelievable. the way James Woods tries and hustle heavy hitters, than they give this supposed two-bit hustler a job 3000 miles away in LA what a jokeI love the old beat VW bug to signify how low they've gotten in life because of all the `tootski's'.Sean Young is as unbelievably bad as the, "I'll love you forever, no matter what, wife" you'll ever see.if it wasn't so funny you would throw up at how sugary sweet Young tries to project herself.and as bad acting as you'll ever see.James Wood overacts throughout the whole movie and he's so extremely funny and is way, way over the top, it's just not to be believed, Woods seems like a parody of a cocaine fiend off Saturday Night Live.but watching Woods on `ludes' is worth the price of the rental.I love it when Woods tells the guy who wants to give him some more `ludes' that he doesn't do that stuff anymore, right before that, Woods just did three giant lines of coke.This is some very funny stuff.The ending is so comical but right on par with the rest of the movie.

LINDAWILLIAMS13 I recently saw the movie about two weeks ago. I enjoyed the movie,it made me feel that I should be more careful in what type of company I am around and how fast you can lose everything by making wrong and quick decisions. So, show it more often on t.v.

makm10 I think this movie is a great drama, and anti-drug film. It gives a dark feeling, and the true aspects of cocaine, and other drugs. The acting from James Woods, in my opinion, was not over-acted at all. He gave the watcher a feeling like they just snorted a few lines, and where experiencing the same things as himself. Sure, its not the best movie, and there are many better anti-drug movies out there. But, for what its worth, the movie brings you to hell and it leaves you there.If you did like this movie, or are looking for other good anti-drug movies, my two favorites are Requiem for a Dream, and Trainspotting. *** out of *****