Sweet Nothing

Running time: N/A

"It somehow felt right - like we belong together." The words spoken in Angel Gazetta's diary as he begins his descension into crack addiction. Crack addiction may seem an old subject in film, but Gary Winick's incredible drama, taken from the real-life diaries of Angelo "Angel" Gazetta, takes a novel approach to an often depressing subject matter. Michael Imperioli (GOODFELLAS, CLOCKERS) gives a wonderful, caring performance about a man who is introduced to crack by his friend Raymond (Paul Calderon -- PULP FICTION, BAD LIEUTENANT, CLOCKERS). After quitting his job to start dealing crack with Raymond, Angel begins his decline into addiction and, eventually, into what he considers to be a "romantic" relationship with the drug. The only dream that seems to keep Angel afloat in his dark world is Monika (Mira Sorvino -- QUIZ SHOW, BARCELONA, MIGHTY APHRODITE) and their two children. It's a dream that could be lost to him if he doesn't turn his life around. What is most intriguing about SWEET NOTHING is that it does not create a portrait of a man who is unaware of his predicament and is making a "bee-line" down a road to destruction. Angel is quite aware that he has a problem. It's simply his goal to find out if he wants to do anything about it. It's apparent that SWEET NOTHING was made by individuals who care about their art and vision. Instead of creating one-dimensional characters often seen in drug films, the filmmakers truly give a perspective on each which allows us to relate to and respect them. It's a true feat in Maverick filmmaking. -- Mike Rabehl