A Drug Story Masterpiece : Hugely Overlooked
Cabir Davis | 12/14/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"How is it that "Rx", perhaps the best film made on the Us-Mexico Drug Racket's influence upon young people, is so unknown and so underrated? This 2005 film disappeared from the radar upon release, and those of you who discover it will find a smart, amazingly directed thriller that never lets up. For the record, this is very much shot like an indie film, but with the taut feel of one of the Bourne films.
The standout is obviously Eric Balfour. This unsung actor is at his best here, lending the role a subtle believability far surpassing his years. Colin Hanks (Tom Hanks' son) is also in fine form as the cool and deranged "Johnny". Special mention should be made of the lovely soundtrack - mixing the best of the Indie Rock and Electronica scene with some of the best Mexican folk music. I wish they'd release the soundtrack!
The movie follows these three friends as they travel to Mexico, and unbeknowest to the girlfriend, the two boys decide to smuggle drugs by swallowing 450 pills a piece. Obviously a bad idea. The rest of the movie shows them dealing with the overdose, and trying to make it safely across the border. I especially liked that there was no happy ending here - that would have been too easy, and what happened was far more realistic.
Full Marks to the Director for working well within an obviously limited budget. Some minus points for unnecessarily obscene dialog, and there is no gratuitous sex or bloodshed either, so thats a plus in my book.
Indie films like this deserve a wider audience, and if you're looking for a tight thriller that has replay value, this is certainly the movie for you. I'd rather buy this than rent this, its that good.
Five Stars."
Fantastic!
Alan Hughes | Vancouver, BC | 12/02/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film is the one of the best I have seen in a long time. The cast is awesome, especially the beautiful Lauren German. It's a very sad movie too and lots of suspense throughout. The score is also beautiful in places. Highly recommended!"