Color, NR (mature themes, language, sexual situations, nudity, violence, drug and alcohol use), 95 min., DVD $24.95, VHS $49.95
DVD: no extras
Street: March 29, Prebook: March 10
First Run: Video premiere
Cast: Frank Vincent (TV's The Sopranos), Arthur J. Nascarella (The Cooler), Vincent Pastore (TV's The Sopranos), Christian Maelen (Wisegirls), Ace Frehley (Kiss: Beyond the Makeup), Candice Coke
Director: Christian Maelen
MTI
Failed, drug-addled artist Will (Maelen) stands to inherit millions, but his life is turned upside down when he witnesses a murder and must deal with a seamy drug dealer (Frehley), who keeps him from his pregnant girlfriend (Coke). Painting a wretched picture of the underbelly of Manhattan and New Jersey, Remedy picks up where Larry Clark's Kids left off, with the teens now young adults who can't steer clear of drugs and sexual problems. The murder mystery plot serves to hold together some believable scenes by a diverse cast of young wannabes and Sopranos vets on their days off, but discriminating audiences will carp at the lapses of logic. Less demanding mystery fans, Mob fans and those who thought Killing Zoe pretty much summed up their weekends will stay enthralled to the bitter end. Fans of life-etched-on-his-face Freeley should be prepared to shout at the screen, "Keep the make-up!" Not to spoil the fun, but the finale is a little unexpected, at least to those who are lulled into thinking this film is just another low-budget indie with lots of T&A.; If there were still drive-ins and grind houses, Remedy would be a theatrical underground hit.