Welcome back to crap-tacular 1997, when good cinema had all but dried up and fish fodder like Titanic was winning best picture awards. It was around this time that no budget films like American Punks began aping more successful indie films (Slacker, Doom Generation) and male leads idolized Steve Buscemi's laid-back acting (for better or worse).
Director Mike Pacitto isn't without talent, but the film's meandering plot of a violent loser seeking revenge for the death of his friend is mostly forgettable. Actor James R. Smith does a good job channeling Peter Boyle's portrayal of "Joe" in some amusing bar scenes, but even that doesn't save this sexless and mostly bloodless Gen X flick.
Retailing: Friends and family of the cast will find something to enjoy here.
- Mike Desert

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