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| Movie Review: Holy Rollers Alternate Title: My Son the Drug Mule
Story: Oy vey. There aren't
any Jewish mothers out there who would be kvelling about their sons
if they turned out to be drug dealers (but then again, what mother would)?
Inspired by true events about a few ultra Orthodox Hasidim Jews, who
in 1998, smuggled over 1,000,000 Ecstasy pills into the US via Amsterdam.
The operation was short lived but made quite a splash at the time throughout
the Orthodox community. Directed by Kevin Asch and written
by Antonio Macia this morality tale has some interesting
details and fine performances. Young Sam Gold has his life planned.
His father and Rabbi have arranged a marriage for him and decided that
he should become a Rabbi. Sam meets his black sheep neighbor and is
soon flying to Amsterdam as a drug courier. His Hasid appearance easily
evades customs and security. He in swept into the underworld of drugs,
sex and rock n' roll. To say that his world is turned upside down would
be a vast understatement. The excitement, danger and unpredictability
of his new life is in total contrast to the life that had been planned
for him by his father. What's a nice Jewish boy to do? The film is predictable but still very entertaining.
I scratched my head at the idea that Sam's choices seemed only to be
the world that was planned for him and the world of drugs. This 'either'
- 'or' existence seemed limited to me. I am not sure this film has any wide appeal outside
large cities, but you never know. Check out the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEQJF2LSvvk Acting: Jesse Eisenberg as Sam Gold, uses his innocence
perfectly. He is fine as this young conflicted man. Justin Bartha
as Yosef, was perfectly creepy. he reminded me of one of the Fiennes
brothers.Ari Graynor as Rachel, is a stand out performance.
Danny Abeckaser as Jackie, the head of the drug operation
is terrific. Trivia: Stella Keitel as the young Zeldy, is the daughter
of Harvey Keitel and Lorraine Bracco.
Writer, Antonio Macia is the son of Argentine and Chilean
immigrants and was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut. He graduated
from Middlebury College with a degree in International Studies. He then
served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints in Toronto, Canada where he worked with Hispanic communities.
Jesse Eisenberg is the older brother of Hallie
Kate Eisenberg. His mother is a professional clown who performed
at children's birthday parties in their hometown of East Brunswick,
N.J. for 20 years.
Predilection: None.
Critters: None
Food: Latkes and challah.
Sex Spectrum: Some ogling through a window to see
boobies on a neighbor's TV and a quick clip of some porn on TV
Blatant Product Placement: None
Soundtrack: An interesting mix of tunes, some of which
are performed by The Shabbos Goys.
Opening Titles: For some reason I cannot remember
the opening titles. Duh.
Visual Art: Almost documentary-like in it's detail.
Theater Audience: An eclectic mix of New Yorkers.
Weather: Not a factor.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 1
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I did not drift at all.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: 90 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5 |