One of the best films of 2001

Rating: 8/10 (15 December 2001)

A terrific story that is funny, entertaining, informative, and sad. Johnny Depp turns in another top-notch performance in this one, but it is Ray Liotta who deserves the highest praise for his honest portrayal of the drug trafficker's blue-collar dad. A good, solid script, director Ted Demme's attention to detail, and many fine performances earn this film an A. Certainly one of the best of '01. Penelope Cruz is great, and look for the fantastic Franka Potente from "Run Lola Run" as George Jung's first California girlfriend. Plus Paul Ruebens finally gets to prove to the masses that he's no "pee-wee" as an actor, either.