This is a good film. But, pay attention to the certificate rating, it is definitely not suitable for kids. Don't watch if you hate films about drugs, violence etc, because you could be appalled by this film. The two main leads, Shakur and Roth both do an excellent job, and make their parts believable, as do many of the less frequent characters. However, the plot is a little shaky. The film, although enjoyable, doesn't actually have much of a plot. It's just the two main characters trying to quit the habit, and then coming across their dead drug dealer...and then, they almost get killed, and then they are wanted by the police, and then their friend comes out of a coma, and they live happily ever after. The film just seems to stop dead at an ending, and i was taken off guard, expecting the film to last longer. Instead, you are left with an empty hole where a good ending should be. Because there really isn't any ending. Having said all that, it is worth a look, if you don't get offended easily!

Imagine the lives of the two musicians, Stretch and Spoon, part of a jazz combo that receive a warning sign when the other member of the group, the sultry Cookie, the singer, is found almost comatose after a drug overdose. Stretch and Spoon decide they have been lucky, so far; they must change their lives and their dependency on drugs.

Alas, the system is against them. The two embark in a vain attempt to be enrolled in Medicaid so they can be detoxed. Everything turns against them. To vent their frustrations, they visit the drug dealing Mud, but they are surprised what they find in the apartment. Then, to make matters worse, they are chased by a dangerous duo who want something they took from Mud's place that belong to them.

The pair get into all kinds of hot water. They are even shown on the television news as the probable culprits for offing their friend. In every government agency the two visit, they are dealt a blow, as nothing comes as simple as what they thought would be a cinch. In order to accomplish being admitted to a hospital and be treated, Spoon asks his buddy to stab him, after Stretch has been shot in the arm. In a hilarious sequence, Stretch tries in vein to do what his friends want him to do.

"Gridlock'd" directed by Vondie Curtis Hall, an actor making his debut behind the camera, is a personal triumph. Mr. Hall got an excellent crew to work with and amazing performances from Tim Roth and Tupac Shakur, a rap star who died too young. Mr. Shakur impresses as he holds his own against a more experienced film actor of the stature of Mr. Roth. Both are great fun to watch. Thandie Newton, a gorgeous actress, plays Cookie, a sort of singer with an unique style. John Sayles, who had directed Mr. Hall in "Passion Fish" has a brief role as a cop.

This film will delight viewers with its fast pace in the mean streets of Detroit. The language might put some people off, but it works fine in the context of the action and what the characters are supposed to be.

This movie was just a lot of fun, no matter how you try and break it down. I saw it because of Tim Roth, and I'm glad I did; Tupac Shakur was just as enjoyable to watch, along with smaller roles from the now much-more-famous Thandie Newton and Lucy Liu.

In retrospect, the character development isn't anything incredibly deep, but it still has incredibly funny and dramatic moments despite this. It plays like a stageplay on a skateboard, bouncing from place to place, the journey more important than the destination.

Maybe that sounds a little silly, but it's still a lot of fun to watch and a lot of fun to go on a ride with these characters. Definitely a great kick, as we patiently wait for another film from mostly-actor Vondie-Curtis Hall.