'Gridlock'd' worth fighting rush hour for

For anyone who loves to hate the late rap artist Tupac Shakur, the idea of a single viewing of his latest, and second to last film, would be revolting. However, these viewers would be surprised to discover that if, given the chance, Shakur's performance in Gridlock'd (Gramercy, R) offers a hold-your-breath and sympathetic portrayal of a strung-out junkie.

Shakur, who was gunned down in a shooting in Las Vegas last September, plays Spoon in writer-director Vondie Curits Hall's dark comedy which casts him in what appears to be one of the few roles the gangsta rapper would fitÑa wise-cracking dope fiend. He is partnered with Tim Roth as Spoon's live-in junkie partner for life, Stretch.

Set against the back drop of a very dark and definitely unfriendly urban environment, Gridlock'd is created as the perfect setting for two junkies who would do anything to get into rehab in a world that doesn't want to let them in, even though it is the same world that complains about junkies such as these.

First-time film director Hall who also took the billing as writer, does well with creating an original film from subject matter which can easily be a tired storyline.

After their mutual friend and fellow band member Cookie (Thandie Newton) overdoses on New Year's Eve after shooting up for the first time, Spoon admits he believes his luck is about to run out and is going to "kick" doping for goodÑthe ultimate resolution for the new year.

After repeated failed attempts to reach rehab, Spoon and Stretch predictably return time and time again to the one thing that will never turn them down, the needle.

Though the movie is convincing as well as entertaining, it would have been more gripping if the audience was given more of an idea of the suffering the two have gone through.

Despite this, Gridlock'd is a definite must-see film. Roth, who is his usual brilliant self as the scruffy American he has managed to master. Roth and Shakur were able to create a rapport, one that good "buddy movies" are made of. It seemed that Tupac Shakur had the potential to go on and make his mark in film, with his untimely departure, that is something that will never be explored.