Writer/Director Marcus D. Russell’s independent short “Sex, Love, and Z Parts” is a cool if sometimes unclear visit into Los Angeles’ urban scene. Disco, played by actor James Gohr, is a cross between Steve Buscemi and Tom Sizemore, blessed with a voice as distinct as Alec Bladwin's. It seems he owes everyone in town money, including his friends, women, and some colorful local gangsters who argue over Uno in shady backrooms. When his vintage Nissan Z breaks down, he enlist the help of G (well-played by Germond Byars) who appears to operate a taxi filled with blunt smoke, and another chum who go along for the ride as Disco tries to raise money to pay folks what he owes them. To say the odds are stacked against him is putting it mildly.

Everyone is against Disco except his best bud played by W/D Russell who sticks with him through thick and thin. If this all sounds like the cult hit Friday, complete with a weed-smoking Chris Tucker-esque bud, it is in many ways. But what distinguishes Sex, Love, and Z Parts is the excellent shot set-ups and photography by DP Scott Beckley. The film has the look of a grainy, vintage 70’s film by John Cassavetes with deep, pungent colors amid the concrete and stucco. Russell has a good eye for location and scenes around LA and the editing by Robert Pergament is tight with hip-hop style to burn.  Russell may have been a bit too ambitious in his story design (which is a common obstacle not just in indie cinema but Hollywood offerings as well) but when he hones his storytelling skills we can expect good flicks from him and his team.

For more info on this movie contact Big Hit Productions at cooprdog@aol.com

- rev. by Jerry Brewington 1/14/07