Another Day in Paradise (1998) / Thriller-Drama

MPAA Rated: R for strong violence, sexuality, drug use and language
Running Time: 101 min.

Cast: James Woods, Melanie Griffith, Vincent Kartheiser, Natasha Wagner
Director: Larry Clark
Screenplay: Christopher Landon, Stephen Chin (based on the book by Eddie Little)
Review published May 22, 1999

A thieving teenage drug-addict and teams up with a professional crook, who teaches the young man the ways of a professional criminal. The pro and his girlfriend take in the boy and his girlfriend, and together, they form a family in crime (of sorts), but complications involving money and drugs get in the way, spoiling the good thing they have going.

ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE is a waste of our time and the decent performances by the quality cast. The film isn't really horrible by any means, although many viewers may be put off by the excessive violence and foul language which permeates almost every scene. The acting and directing are a mixed bag, some scenes being handled well, while others come off as amateurish and rushed. The film tries to play as a realistic crime drama, but blows it with larger than life characters and situations. It's not without its good points, but the overall unpleasantness and relative pointlessness of the narrative cripples this film's chances of ever succeeding. My advice: skip it.

Qwipster's rating:

©1999 Vince Leo