This film is very mixed. Robert Downey Jr. is beyond fabulous. Having watched someone very close to me go through addiction, I can say that Downey's Julian is the most accurate addict I've ever seen portrayed on film. His hopeless optimism, random outburst of rage, and constant sweating all ring true. But everyone knows RDJ is brilliant. Andrew McCarthy does well with the character created by the screenwriters, but that character lacks depth. If you've read Bret Easton Ellis's novel of the same name and are expecting the apathetic, drug-addled, jerk narrator, step back 'cause you won't be getting it here. It's no surprise the author was only happy with RDJ and James Spader, their characters are the only ones who even vaguely resemble those of the novel. The novel is shocking to the point of being nauseating and down right disturbing. The film is not. It's a beautiful, vapid montage of 80s that sometimes drags. The soundtrack is killer, especially LLCoolJ's Going' Back to Cali and the Bangles cover of Hazy Shade of Winter. But back to the acting- a few times in the film, Jamie Gertz hits on something real and heart-wrenching, but it's fleeting and before you can sigh with relief, it's gone. Much of her performance is pretty wooden and her performance in the last scene is positively painful. The sex scenes are very realistic, though. Probably the best acting Gertz and McCarthy do in this film. If you're into costumes, check this film out- they're pure 80s perfection.

I'll start saying that I haven't been in LA at that time and I didn't read the novel, so my impressions are of someone just watching the movie.

I was moved by Robert Downey Jr. Performance, it definitely raised this movie above what it was on its own.

The very ending really bothered me though, it felt silly, unrealistic and forced. It was quite disappointing and I felt like it ruined the story. I could see what happened coming it's only that how it happens is just stupid and a bit ridiculous.

Still, I enjoyed the movie, it kept me interested throughout and again, Downey's performance was heart breaking.

I have always found drug movies a bit difficult to sit through because watching someone fall prey to addiction and debt, with no where left to turn and a future uncertain, isn't easy. Decadence in wealthy Los Angeles, cocaine the major drug of choice for the 80s generation, along with parties, clubs, high priced cars and fashion. Andrew MCarthy is off to college probably at an elite private school while Downey has wasted away a promising recording industry career and savings, now an addict with no options for life advancement. Jamie Gertz is a model with a coke problem. Gertz was McCarthy's girl until he left for college, her ending up in bed with Downey. She beckons him to return because Downey owes drug/smut dealer James Spader(a more lavish version)and is doomed unless he gets help--question is can Downey make it out of his current state? Better yet, how can McCarthy rescue him when Gertz herself is often high on coke? McCarthy and Gertz do rekindle their relationship, sexually and otherwise, while attempting to save their pal from Spader's grip. Downey exhausts all methods for getting out of $50,000 that belongs to Spader, a lot of dope the young man has went through over the course of 6 months, and, to be honest, his dealer has been cooperative regarding lack of payment. So Spader wants Downey to hook for him, agreeing to substitute the work for his drug debt. So the viewer is treated to an unflattering look at life of the affluent youth when they are out at night. Downey's downfall is all too credible and harrowing, his fate unfortunate, suffering through one of those excruciating experiences where he must "get clean", absolutely overcome with "the sickness". Downey was forbidden by his fed-up father to come home, finding himself sleeping on park benches. Watching him deteriorate, helpless as his own two friends, we are treated to his decline. With lush cinematography to compliment the beautiful people who populate the LA scene, masking the real ugliness of it all. "Rusty pipes" says it all. Film is loaded with a number of great rock and pop songs.