'R Xmas

I recently viewed 'R Xmas (2001) on Tubi. The storyline centers around a couple, relying on drug-related income, searching for a Christmas doll for their daughter. The husband goes to extreme lengths to find the doll, leading to his kidnapping by a rival drug gang. The wife must take drastic measures to save her husband and salvage Christmas.

Directed by Abel Ferrara (King of New York), the film features Ice-T (Newport Jack City), Drea de Matteo (The Sopranos), Lillo Brancato (Crimson Tide), and Victor Argo (Raw Deal).

Abel Ferrara's vision for this project seems unclear. While the premise had potential, the execution falls short. The storyline and circumstances could are compelling, but the delivery misses the mark. The mother's desperation isn't effectively established, and the portrayal of the drug dealer lifestyle lacks the dramatic intensity it could have had. The repetitive dialogue, centered on tiresome racism conversations, feels inauthentic.

In conclusion, 'R Xmas had potential based on its premise but fails to deliver. I would give it a score of 3/10 and recommend skipping it.