Stylistically speaking, the deliberately chaotic picture owes much less to the Paul Thomas Anderson film than it does to the frenzied intensity of Darren Aronofsky's "Requiem for a Dream" minus any of the picture's affecting substance. There seem to be some impressive performances here, though it's not always easy to tell because director James Cox is always feverishly cutting away to something or other. Given the sordid subject matter and Holmes' legendary past, the Lions Gate release will undoubtedly draw some interest, but those expecting something with engaging content (or even naughty bits) will be disappointed.

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