Superb ensemble in a film that has to be the sleeper of 2004

Rating: 10/10 (13 December 2005)

Give the setup 15 minutes and you won't regret the investment. A gritty story of life as many people live it without ever recognizing it. Set in LA but could be any big city. An honest and well-written script that deals with many social issues but never gives in to the temptation to simplify or overstate them. Twists and turns, deeply human and personal; emotionally draining in some tense scenes; wonderful story-telling; laughs that suddenly hook you into high drama. Difficult -- and unfair -- to mention specific actors in such an shining ensemble, but Ludicrous showed more acting ability than I thought he had. Don't watch the writer's remarks until afterward.