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Created Mar 15, 2011 02:24PM PST • Edited Mar 15, 2011 02:24PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Barely OK 2.0

   A mediocre independent film about a week in the life of a young drug addict in Florida. Cocaine Angel follows Scott (Damian Lahey) as he wanders around Florida, clinging to memories of a family he has lost through his substance abuse, and trying to find drugs and love.

   Although the storyline itself isn’t really terribly new ground, the effort given to tell it is notable. Yes, other films have far more realism when it comes to decline form drugs (Basketball Diaries, etc.), but this film tried to get the story out, in spite of some lame attempts at humor. It probably could have been better off sticking with the story, than trying to infuse hip comedy, a la “Pulp Fiction”, into another wise depressing story. In the end, that campiness diminishes the dramatic ending. At only 75 minutes in running time, it seems to know when it’s overstayed its welcome.

   The film is not a total loss, and there seems to be some future on the horizon for the young filmmakers after this first attempt. Sometimes experience helps in the creative process. I hope that future efforts stay away from stereotypical characters and instead focus on creating a more realistic dramatic intensity.

   Watched on Netflix streaming.

4. Acting

   Pretty Bad 1.5

5. Male Stars Barely OK 2.0

   Damien Lahey, who plays Scott, the lead character, is mildly believable as a strungout junkie. As the writer of the film, I’m sure he had a vision of what he wanted, and I doubt his portrayal was what he envisioned. With a pained look on his face that resembled Gilfred Godfrey, he lacked some of the grittiness needed for his role.

6. Female Stars Barely OK 2.0

7. Female Costars Barely OK 2.0

8. Male Costars Pretty Awful 0.5

   Richard Dawson, who plays a character named Hurricaine Mike struggled to be convincing.

10. Film

    Barely OK 2.0

11. Direction OK 2.5

    Not bad for a first try. Some nice use of angles and lighting.

12. Play Pretty Bad 1.5

    Dragged in many spots. A few too many dramatic monologes form the lead character.

13. Music Barely OK 2.0

14. Visuals Barely OK 2.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.4

17. Sex Erotic 2.6

    Oral sex in front of a toddler in a crib. Nudity in spots.

18. Violence Fierce 1.9

19. Rudeness Profane 2.6

    Deals with drugs, death, and other serious topics.

21. Reality

    Glib 1.2

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.7

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0