Universal Pictures
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

8/10

This was probably the film I was most excited to see this year; and I wasn't disapointed. I kept watching the trailers on t.v. to only find myself becoming more interested. I saw this movie with my friend who was nearly ready to walk out of the theater. This leads me to think that the movie wasn't for everyone.
The film exhibits Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) and Dr. Gonzo(Benico Del Toro) take a trip to Las Vegas with a bag full of dangerous drugs in search of the American Dream. Johnny Depp is one of my favorite actors, not just because he's versatile and dedicated, but he's been in many movies I liked. This is definetely one of his best jobs; I prefer him over Bill Murray's performance of Hunter Thompson as well. Benico Del Toro also did an excellent job of Thompson's attorney. If you didn't like the novel, I would recomend the movie to atleast see these two performances.
The movie follows our two heros as they take high doses of drugs, cover a motocycle race, and destroy hotel rooms. Terry Gilliam was the best person for the job, maybe the only person. His wild camera angles and cinematography make the audience feel as if they are on drugs; it made myself realize Raoul and Gonzo's point of view. This includes one of my favorite scenes where our two heros take a dose of ether and enter the indoor circus casino. This isn't the movie's only highpoint though. It is also filled with the same 70's humor of Cheech and Chong movies; which we don't see much today.
The only real lag in the movie is that the actual story isn't brought up. Most audience members will just see it as a movie about two junkies, others may see it as a warning to stay away from drugs. However those who think it glorifies drug use have obviously never seen it.
Overall, I enjoyed Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. I thought it stayed true to the book for the mostpart, and even brought Ralph Steadman's artwork to life. Not everyone will understand it and most people will hate it. If you enjoyed Hunter Thompson's book, most likely you will like this film. If you are wondering what the hell gonzo journalism is, it's pretty much a coin toss.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is rated R for a dab of language and a pound of drug use.

Related Links:
Official Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas site
Fear and Loathing Desktop Theme
Internet Movie Database: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas


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