SALTON SEA, THE
Released: April 26, 2002
After his wife is murdered, a man (Val Kilmer) drifts into a world populated by thugs and speed junkies. As an ad for what could happen to you once you fall into the depression 'n drugs lifestyle, this movie does its job exposing the gritty gime of that lifestyle. Kilmer is especially good in this role as are the other players. Vincent D'Onofrio is superb as the drug kingpin Pooh-Bear. Also starring Adam Goldberg, Luis Guzmán, Anthony LaPaglia, Peter Sarsgaard, Deborah Kara Unger, R. Lee Ermey and even Meatloaf. For a film that could have been bogged down in despair, there is actually quite a bit of humor from the adventures Kilmer gets into. While not for everyone, and even its own studio didn't really want to make it, "The Salton Sea" is a worthwhile rental when you feel open to something different. From director D.J. Caruso, a very prolific TV helmer.
103 Minutes
Castle Rock/Warner Bros.