Never Down

Robert Oppel's low-budget, enervating drama centers around Rico (Robert La Sardo), released from prison after a five-year sentence for armed robbery, whose attempts to reintegrate into society are frustrated by conflicts with his ex-wife over access to their young daughter. An unlikely aide in Rico's efforts is a mysterious character who may not be entirely of this world: a ghostly apparition played by, of all people, the late Kurt Vonnegut Jr. in what the DVD bills as “his last performance” (never mind that Vonnegut was not celebrated for his movie acting). Also making an appearance (for no clear reason) is filmmaker James Toback as himself. Oppel further adds to the confusion by burdening Never Down with distracting visual flourishes, such as split-screen effects and dissolves, none of which benefits what could have been a gritty drama about redemption and the rebuilding of shattered lives. La Sardo is the sole saving grace, delivering a finely nuanced and often touching performance—but it's a wonderful acting job that's unfortunately stuck in a bad movie. Not recommended. (P. Hall)