Running a site like Monsters at Play can be a strange and wonderful experience all at the same time. One of the comments that I often receive when people praise the site (which isn't often enough folks) is how so many of our readers seem to enjoy the fact that we review the mainstream, indie and underground all at the same time. Some of the films we review we do actually seek out, however, the bulk of the indie stuff comes in without us having any prior knowledge of the production. Of course this becomes a double-edged sword, since we wind up making a few friends and a whole heap of enemies all at the same time. Allow me to explain...Neither I nor any other staff member can guarantee a good review, I mean we'll try to pick out the positives best we can, but we can't ever guarantee a good review for any film and we never have - you just never know how your film is going to be perceived. 'Nuff said?

Now, this works both ways as well, because every once in a while, we get in a film that we have a false perception of, and sometimes what we actually see turns out to be a hell of a surprise and a much better film than we ever could have imagined (once again, this goes both ways from good to bad). The reason that I bring this up and I have decided to step up on my soapbox for a moment here is because when this does occur and an indie film does indeed go far beyond the normal perception of good (and exceeds every one of my expectations) - I want you to believe me (and my words) and not think that I am just taking part in the blowing the ole' smoke up yer ass routine. This is one of those instances and this ain't smoke, so say hello to Addiction.

Bobby is a mild mannered businessman/husband who seems happy with his home life (just check out that white picket fence!), and just content enough with his 9-5 job. One evening, after a late night at work, Bobby is jumped on his way to the subway. Not willing to give his wallet up so easily, Bobby fights back, stabbing his assailant...repeatedly, killing him. Distraught and anxious, Bobby goes through a broad range of emotions, settling in on the fact that he actually enjoyed the rush of killing a man. The mild mannered Bobby now succumbs to withdrawal, needing his next fix, which he secretly secures. In the mean time, Bobby's cousin Frankie, makes repeated trips to his office, looking for a handout so he can acquire his next fix as well, he's a heroine addict. On a seemingly unrelated note (in another part of town?), Ruthie is a trash talking waitress who takes to the streets to support her daughter after she loses her job. Other contenders in this complicated mix include Bobby's suspicious wife, his boss, coworkers and the drug dealers that Frankie owes money to (and they intend to collect whether it's from Frankie himself or his junkie girlfriend). Each of these lives will connect and cross paths somehow, and in the end, not one of them will ever be the same.

The thing that really struck me about Addiction right from the start is how much the film truly has going for it. A mostly clever and intricate script, a fantastic ensemble cast and a slick "beyond its budget" look. And I haven't even mentioned the outstanding score and soundtrack yet. The story is fairly simple, but its execution is the real money shot here. Each of these characters dances around one another in a virtual ballet of excess and selfishness, it's more than pure pleasure to watch. Addiction can easily hold its own against the big boys in Hollywood, which is not an easy feat. The film just doesn't look or feel like a homemade independent.

While some of the parallels come across as obvious and a bit forced (all the forms of addiction we're dealing with...get it?) this fact doesn't hold the film back one bit. The strongest elements of Addiction are so powerful, they easily overshadow the films obvious limitations, and the film is so goddamn fucking entertaining, I almost didn't want it to end. This is really saying something as well. When I popped the flick in the VCR, I was expecting a 75-minute quickie (in and out, you know the drill) and was not once annoyed or disgusted when the film ran just shy of 2-hours, taking up a much larger portion of my evening.

Definitely have to compliment the solid performances and how well the cast works with one another. There are far too many to mention, but Frank Franconeri as Bobby and Joshua Nelson as Frankie are just a few of the incredibly effective players here. There's no doubt in my mind that this talented bunch of people (in front of and behind the camera) are all names and faces to keep an eye out for. I know I'm not mentioning everybody here and I rarely go out of my way to point out solid performances amongst the independents (are there really that many?), but this go round everybody earns their kudos - from Bobby's boss (Joyia Bradley) to the office janitor (Michal Charpenter) this is a true group of talented professionals.

While it's not a straight genre piece, Addiction still retains quite a few of the elements that would hold appeal amongst genre fans. As I watched the film, I was taken aback when I realized that this is a film that I could easily have watched with my parents, sister and girlfriend, and we'd all probably enjoy it just the same. The film is never overly graphic (some blood here and there) or offensive (some appropriate nudity) - finally, a semi-genre film you can add to your collection that you don't have to hide behind the shelf.

I urge you to head on over to www.addictionthemovie.com for more info. They have set up a great looking site with lots of info and cool pics, easily worth your while - so check it out! The film has yet to achieve distribution, but keep an eye out for it, this one comes highly recommended.