Reviews (17)

Hot ghetto joint
This flick was highly slept upon by both the black viewing public of all ages and my girlfriend who I went to see this joint with back in '95 when it came out. Regardless of what the general public might have missed I found the movie to be hot. If you are a ghetto crime movie connoisseur you need to check for this one. When it came out it had a two-volume soundtrack with mostly rap acts like Outkast ("Benz or Beamer"), Naughty by Nature and those cats Ill and Al Scratch (they are best remembered for the "I'll Take Her" piece with Brian McKnight singing up in it).

As far as the movie goes, I think Gabriel Casseus makes the film with his portrayal of Midget. Whenever I see him in a guest role in another film, I always remember this role. He plays a sort of charming, devious, magnetic thug. Everytime he's on the screen, he takes over the whole s---. You're wondering what he'll do next and his presence maintains the film's excitement level. NJ Drive is like an East-coast "Friday" without the humor and a little more gritty. It's like a black, young "Goodfellas" -- a group of lower-level hoods in the hood, really just everyday normal nig--- you know, but that's what makes it good. Trust. You'll like it if you authentic hood crime stories. It seems real enough that you'd think that it was a documentary.

Great ghetto flick with everything you'd want
This movie is one of my favorites ever. I love ghetto movies, and this one has everything you'd want in an action ghetto movie. It is about ghetto teens who steal cars and take them to chop shops for cash or just for joy rides. The main characters are Jason, "Midget", Richie and "Tiny". With Richie being definately the funniest one of the bunch, I wish he had actually had more parts in the movie. His mannerisms will have your stomach hurting you'll be laughing so hard-even when he's not even trying to be funny. Midget is the biggest car thief of the crew, and Jason is his best friend, who starts out not really being a car thief himself, just a tag-along. But he gets increasingly more and more involved with his buddies' hijinks, leading him to some time in Juvenile hall. There is also an unbelievably hysterical scene where Richie, jason and Midget steal a POLICE CAR and take it for a joy ride!! Richie was so unfreakin' belevably hilarious in this scene, even thhough he didn't even have that much talking. Midget also does something with the squad car that I won't give away-you just hav e to watch the movie. Midget was a great character too. He was very funny and had no shame. For some great ghetto entertainment, buy this movie! There is also a maniac cop who messes with Jason alot in the movie because of something Jason witnessed the cop doing.

Are you kidding?
This movie was a total peice of garbage. I lost IQ points watching it. Take your money and buy lottery tickets. You'll get more value for your dollar.

Too kool!
This movie was an indie release (I think), but it's awesome! The drama & action are like nothing I had seen before. It's about teens in New Jersey stealing cars for joyrides, then selling them to Chop Shops, or just keeping them. Jason Petty's (Sharron Corley) character is the most dramatic, because his friends steal cars, but he doesn't want to get into that. He just wants to be friends with them, no crimes involved. This also brings up the subject of race; white cops are always out to get the inner-city youth (who are of-course, black) of New Jersey. If you want a powerful action/crime-drama flick, or if you're one of those in da hood, ghetto flick people, buy this.

hot
this movie was hot it funny and a movie that you should have in your dvd libary ... Read more

Reviews (4)

An Unheralded but Brilliant Movie about Inner City Life
I first saw this movie 8 years ago on the recommendation of a friend. From the opening scene to the gripping, climactic finale, my adrenaline was pumping. As other reviews have mentioned, the power of this movie comes from its characters. They are raw, emotionally driven individuals who don't filter their language or behaviors by laws or morals...they simply live the only way they know how to live - on a day to day basis just trying to get by....as Frankie says, "No one plans on going to jail. It just sort of happens. I do things and sometimes I get in trouble for it".
I"ve always been intrigued by the title of the movie, as I think there could be several interpretations. The most obvious being that the lifestyle these people choose to (or arguably are forced to) live can only bring them in one direction....down. Yet, I found myself not only empathizing with but cheering for each of the characters at various stages of the film. You're just not sure at any point in the movie whether you like a particular character or not....but on some level, you can probably relate to them. I agree with one of the previous reviewers that the only movie I have seen that can even hold a candle to LOG in terms of its raw, realistic portrayal of life on the inner city streets is Kids.
Laws of Gravity is an outstanding depiction of inner city life and the mentality of those who have no means of leaving this lifestyle.

A little known Screen Gem!
This is a very realistic film about life in the city. It deals with characters whose way of life has been and continues to be, about crime. Peter Greene plays the lead and as always gives a superb performance.(He has also been in The Usual Suspects, The Mask, and Clean Shaven)
It's very surprising this didn't launch Director Nick Gomez's career into the fast lane. The perspective of each individual character is so raw and believable, that it feels like you could have known these characters in your own life. It is easy to empathize with the characters and get wrapped up in the film due to the ingenious/realistic dialogue. Kudos! to all the actors in the film and the Director. This is a real work of art, seeing as how "art imitates life".

As realistic as "Kids", but with the humanity of "Suburbia"
This little known, understated movie is one of the most hauntingly realistic portrayals of the life of crime ever made.
The acting is superb. Many people will recognize Edie Falco of recent Sopranos fame, (and you will also see some other faces which have appeared in many HBO features such as Oz)
The movie portrays a group of disenfranchised young people existing largely by their wits as subsistance criminals, attempting unsuccesfully to cope with their own shortcomings and with the hostile world around them. Another reviewer compared this to Mean Streets, and it is similar, but not in my opinion derivitive. Like Mean Streets this movie was created by someone who knows the lifestyle because they lived it. Unlike larger budget gangster movies Mean Streets was in fact ahead of it's time for it's unflinching realism and ability to find the drama and pathos in lives of the less spectacular "gangsters" out there. Laws of gravity also does a good job of this, in a more low budget camera style which is somewhat reminiscent of more recent works like the psudo documentary "Kids". But unlike Kids, you will not only recognize these people, you will feel for them, because while being realistic and realistically flawed personalities, they are trying to do what they think is right.
This movie meant a lot to me because as a young person growing up in New Orleans, I led a very similar existance. In fact this affected me much as the original "Suburbia" (about the lives of young punk rockers) did. You want to know what the criminal underworld is REALLY like without all the glamour and phony hollywood hype? As someone who has been there, I can tell you, this quiet little movie is spot on.

Surprisingly good film debut from writer-director Nick Gomez
Strong performances from Peter Greene and Adam Trese highlight this low budget crime-drama which was obviously influenced by Martin Scorsese's "Mean Streets". It's a good rental, but I suggest that you see "Mean Streets" first. ... Read more

Reviews (79)

Underrated Excellent Black Comedy.
An Middle Age Woman by the name of Mona Dearly (Bette Midler), which she drove everyone crazy in the small town from the state of New York. But when Mona dies, while driving herself into a river. But it's turns out to be an act of murder. Chief of Police:Wyatt Rash (Danny DeVito) starts to invesgate the murder but Mona had herself a town full of enemies, including her cheating husband (William Fichtner), her heartless dimwit son (Marcus Thomas), her husband's mistress (Jamie Lee Curtis), the chief's daughter (Neve Campbell) and the chief's daughter fiance (Casey Affleck). Although People did hated the late Miss Dearly alot, it's up to the Chief to find, who's the blame for the murder but the town's people rather wants to know who to thank.

Directed by Nick Gomez (Illtown, Laws of Gravity, New Jersey Drive) made a Clever Off-Beat Black Comedy that was a Box Office Disapointment in the Winter of 2000. It's also One of the Most Underrated Comedies in Years. DeVito, who is also One of the Executive Producers in the film, He gives a good-hearted performance in the movie. Affleck is also good as the nervous fiance to the chief's, who might have been involved with Mona's Death. The lighlight of the film is the highly good comedic cast. The Canadian DVD has an sharp Pan & Scan (1.33:1) transfer and an good-Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. While the Canadian DVD has no extras. While the American DVD is Presented in an anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) Presentation with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD Extras are a Trailer, Director's Commentary and Deleted Scenes with/without Commentary. This Misunderstood Comedy is a Forgetten Gem, don't miss it. Will Farrell has a Cameo in the film. Written by Peter Steinfeld (Analyze That, Be Cool). Grade:A-.

Bette Midler as Royal "Pain" with 9 Lives
Bette Midler, once again playing herself, gives everybody and their brother daily doses of annoyance. An entire family, including the in-laws want to do away with "Mona". Set among trailer park country bumbkins, the story is one rollercoaster ride of physical and mental abuse. Fans of Bette Midler and Danny DeVito may have the stomach to sit through this whole fiasco. Comedy fans with somewhat lofty standards may want to pass on this jumbled-up non-sense. A few quick laughs will keep you from getting angry about your time investment, but most folks sure can do much better than this. It'll do in a pinch.**

Best comedy ever!
This is one of my favorite movies. I can watch it over and over and still crack up. I like dark humor and this movie is hysterical. It deserves a watch.

Dark Humor Aint for Everyone
This is a hilarious movie. The actors in this movie should all be commended for giving subtle, laugh-your-tail off funny performances. The folks who gave it low ratings don't get dark comedy and/or were expecting typical character portrayals from the big name stars (particularly DeVito and Midler).

My husband and I hadn't expected much from this film because the trailers were so cryptic and we personally aren't too into Bette Midler, but from the first to last scene we were in stitches. Example: Neve Campbell's character freaks out when her fiance (played by Casey Affleck) tells her he killed Mona. As she storms off, saying that now she has to deal with her fiance being a murderer while taking care of wedding plans, he weakly calls after her, "We need milk." Another example: Mona's two sons go to her gravestone and see that the inscription says, "Demoted mother, wife, and dressmaker." One guy looks at the other and says, "I didn't know mom was a dressmaker," and the other says, "Me neither." Although I'm sure I'm killing the humor by trying to relay it without context, comic timing, or nonverbal communication, this is the kind of humor that you'll find in "Drowning Mona." If you're offended by this kind of thing, don't bother. Everyone in the town hated Mona, so a lot of the jokes center on her death.

And I've gotta' respond to reviewers who didn't see the point of the Yugos' omnipresence, even though it sort of detracts from the funniness. As a plot device, it's necessary precisely because Yugos were such cheap and unsafe cars that Mona's brakes could possibly have failed due to manufacturer error. If everyone had been driving Porches, there wouldn't have been any mystery at all. Also, you can't help but laugh when every character in the movie jumps in a colorful little bumper car, which sometimes needs a running start, to get around.

My friends took it, I left it
I rented this video with my four girlfriends on one of our annual weekends away. Three of us fell asleep and thought it was a horrible movie (and I'm a Bette Midler fan). The other two laughed their heads off and swear to us that it is the best movie ever. We tease each other about it to this day (two years later). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Metaphorical Directing
the whole movie, i found to be so slow-paced (that's what makes it so deep). it calms you with its thoughtful conversations and metaphorical images. it jolts you when you see an act of violence. stand-out stars: Tony Danza! this movie shows how underrated movie stars are. danza gives an oscar-worthy performance. nick gomez uses the camera to bring meaning and art to the miserable lives of two major drug dealers.

IT'S A MUST SEE MOVIE FOR ANY DAVID LYNCH FAN!

Forever
Had to see it twice. A very surreal dipiction of the "drug dealer life" (like I know anything about it). Well developed characters and plot line. Notice the theme of "forever" and "eternity" throughout the film (appropriately echoed in one of the 50s songs played in the film). Not a typical Hollywood gang-banger flick. Something deeper. Tony Danza popping up is a trip and is cool. But that doesn't overshadow the exceptional acting of other lesser-known talents in the film.

Rapaport is awesome!!
This is an intense movie. You can't take your eyes off Michael Rapaport. It is nice to see a movie in which the actors can actually ACT!

Good Story, good storyline
I watched this movie on, I believe TMCw, DSS satellite TV. I liked this movie a lot. It had a lot more than just shooting, and crime. It actually has some good acting, and shows what it might be like to deal drugs. This movie has a lot of spiritual scenes, after somebody dies, the characters have guilt and visions. They don't like being drug dealers, and would like to get out of the business. Certain factors, such as "THE MAN"(Tony Danza) prevent that. I expected much less from Tony Danza, but he was superb. Much better than his performace in "Going Ape!" *****

Breathtaking!!!
I came in LATE on this film and was just in awe by the story line. Its a MUST see and I dont say that about many movies. It makes you want to close your eyes in disbelief yet you cannot stop watching the TV with your mouth open in total shock. Yeah so Tony Danza is in it...but he's not the star or main character..and he plays a good part. This movie will haunt me and I could watch it again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (79)

Underrated Excellent Black Comedy.
An Middle Age Woman by the name of Mona Dearly (Bette Midler), which she drove everyone crazy in the small town from the state of New York. But when Mona dies, while driving herself into a river. But it's turns out to be an act of murder. Chief of Police:Wyatt Rash (Danny DeVito) starts to invesgate the murder but Mona had herself a town full of enemies, including her cheating husband (William Fichtner), her heartless dimwit son (Marcus Thomas), her husband's mistress (Jamie Lee Curtis), the chief's daughter (Neve Campbell) and the chief's daughter fiance (Casey Affleck). Although People did hated the late Miss Dearly alot, it's up to the Chief to find, who's the blame for the murder but the town's people rather wants to know who to thank.

Directed by Nick Gomez (Illtown, Laws of Gravity, New Jersey Drive) made a Clever Off-Beat Black Comedy that was a Box Office Disapointment in the Winter of 2000. It's also One of the Most Underrated Comedies in Years. DeVito, who is also One of the Executive Producers in the film, He gives a good-hearted performance in the movie. Affleck is also good as the nervous fiance to the chief's, who might have been involved with Mona's Death. The lighlight of the film is the highly good comedic cast. The Canadian DVD has an sharp Pan & Scan (1.33:1) transfer and an good-Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. While the Canadian DVD has no extras. While the American DVD is Presented in an anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) Presentation with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD Extras are a Trailer, Director's Commentary and Deleted Scenes with/without Commentary. This Misunderstood Comedy is a Forgetten Gem, don't miss it. Will Farrell has a Cameo in the film. Written by Peter Steinfeld (Analyze That, Be Cool). Grade:A-.

Bette Midler as Royal "Pain" with 9 Lives
Bette Midler, once again playing herself, gives everybody and their brother daily doses of annoyance. An entire family, including the in-laws want to do away with "Mona". Set among trailer park country bumbkins, the story is one rollercoaster ride of physical and mental abuse. Fans of Bette Midler and Danny DeVito may have the stomach to sit through this whole fiasco. Comedy fans with somewhat lofty standards may want to pass on this jumbled-up non-sense. A few quick laughs will keep you from getting angry about your time investment, but most folks sure can do much better than this. It'll do in a pinch.**

Best comedy ever!
This is one of my favorite movies. I can watch it over and over and still crack up. I like dark humor and this movie is hysterical. It deserves a watch.

Dark Humor Aint for Everyone
This is a hilarious movie. The actors in this movie should all be commended for giving subtle, laugh-your-tail off funny performances. The folks who gave it low ratings don't get dark comedy and/or were expecting typical character portrayals from the big name stars (particularly DeVito and Midler).

My husband and I hadn't expected much from this film because the trailers were so cryptic and we personally aren't too into Bette Midler, but from the first to last scene we were in stitches. Example: Neve Campbell's character freaks out when her fiance (played by Casey Affleck) tells her he killed Mona. As she storms off, saying that now she has to deal with her fiance being a murderer while taking care of wedding plans, he weakly calls after her, "We need milk." Another example: Mona's two sons go to her gravestone and see that the inscription says, "Demoted mother, wife, and dressmaker." One guy looks at the other and says, "I didn't know mom was a dressmaker," and the other says, "Me neither." Although I'm sure I'm killing the humor by trying to relay it without context, comic timing, or nonverbal communication, this is the kind of humor that you'll find in "Drowning Mona." If you're offended by this kind of thing, don't bother. Everyone in the town hated Mona, so a lot of the jokes center on her death.

And I've gotta' respond to reviewers who didn't see the point of the Yugos' omnipresence, even though it sort of detracts from the funniness. As a plot device, it's necessary precisely because Yugos were such cheap and unsafe cars that Mona's brakes could possibly have failed due to manufacturer error. If everyone had been driving Porches, there wouldn't have been any mystery at all. Also, you can't help but laugh when every character in the movie jumps in a colorful little bumper car, which sometimes needs a running start, to get around.

My friends took it, I left it
I rented this video with my four girlfriends on one of our annual weekends away. Three of us fell asleep and thought it was a horrible movie (and I'm a Bette Midler fan). The other two laughed their heads off and swear to us that it is the best movie ever. We tease each other about it to this day (two years later). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Metaphorical Directing
the whole movie, i found to be so slow-paced (that's what makes it so deep). it calms you with its thoughtful conversations and metaphorical images. it jolts you when you see an act of violence. stand-out stars: Tony Danza! this movie shows how underrated movie stars are. danza gives an oscar-worthy performance. nick gomez uses the camera to bring meaning and art to the miserable lives of two major drug dealers.

IT'S A MUST SEE MOVIE FOR ANY DAVID LYNCH FAN!

Forever
Had to see it twice. A very surreal dipiction of the "drug dealer life" (like I know anything about it). Well developed characters and plot line. Notice the theme of "forever" and "eternity" throughout the film (appropriately echoed in one of the 50s songs played in the film). Not a typical Hollywood gang-banger flick. Something deeper. Tony Danza popping up is a trip and is cool. But that doesn't overshadow the exceptional acting of other lesser-known talents in the film.

Rapaport is awesome!!
This is an intense movie. You can't take your eyes off Michael Rapaport. It is nice to see a movie in which the actors can actually ACT!

Good Story, good storyline
I watched this movie on, I believe TMCw, DSS satellite TV. I liked this movie a lot. It had a lot more than just shooting, and crime. It actually has some good acting, and shows what it might be like to deal drugs. This movie has a lot of spiritual scenes, after somebody dies, the characters have guilt and visions. They don't like being drug dealers, and would like to get out of the business. Certain factors, such as "THE MAN"(Tony Danza) prevent that. I expected much less from Tony Danza, but he was superb. Much better than his performace in "Going Ape!" *****

Breathtaking!!!
I came in LATE on this film and was just in awe by the story line. Its a MUST see and I dont say that about many movies. It makes you want to close your eyes in disbelief yet you cannot stop watching the TV with your mouth open in total shock. Yeah so Tony Danza is in it...but he's not the star or main character..and he plays a good part. This movie will haunt me and I could watch it again and again. ... Read more