At a time when most American movies are boring and predictable, here is a film that delivers not only raw emotion, but an honest look at warped family values, psychosis, racism and radio propaganda. This is not your average sugar-coated Hollywood formulaic stuff, and we can only be thankful for that.

It's the intense story of has-been boxer/security guard Billy Morrisson (Neal McDonough, of "Minority Report") and his descent into madness after his mother's death, fueled by his obsessive quest to become a hero. Billy is ultimately a loathsome creature whom we find empathy for through McDonough's riveting performance and writer-director Jeff Hare's unique vision.

From the instant we learn of his mother's death it's apparent that Billy is a ticking time bomb, and the crux of the film depicts his road to an inevitable blowup.

It is not a pretty story, but a courageous and challenging character essay that goes places homogenized filmmakers are rarely brave enough to delve these days. Anyone who truly loves movies, no-holds-barred acting and bold filmmaking cannot help but be enthralled with the strange places Billy takes us, and this includes a scary journey within his own wracked psyche.