Clay Pigeons MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

In this dark comedy/thriller, Clay Bidwell (Joaquin Phoenix), a mechanic in eastern Montana, befriends Lester Long (Vince Vaughn), a truck-driving serial killer. Clay has no idea of what Lester does when he's not driving, but they become fast friends, spending quite a bit of time together. Clay also discovers two dead bodies in less than a week, making him a suspect in some other deaths in the state. This turn of events puts Dale Shelby (Janeane Garofalo), an FBI agent, on his trail. As the plot progresses, Clay begins to suspect Lester of knowing more about the killings than he has let on. Vince Vaughn is tremendous as the likable serial killer. Although he seems easy going to those around him, he is quite caring, knowing just what he needs to do, at all times, to ensure his safety. This clever and original film probably will do moderately well at the box office.

The first scene in the film sets the tone for the rest of the story. It begins with two men practicing their shooting when one of them points his gun at the other, threatening to kill him. Instead of doing this though, the man turns the gun on himself, shooting himself in the knee and then in the head. This graphic, bloody scene lasts about three minutes and contains 11 f-words. The rest of the film follows this pattern, with some sex scenes which are also very graphic. In contrast to all of that, the police and the FBI are portrayed positively as decent admirable characters. But this good element, is overshadowed by sex, nudity, violence, and language, including a total of 68 f and s words, 36 crudities and 27 regular profanities. These elements will keep many discerning viewers from enjoying this film.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor: Gramercy Pictures, 9247 Alden Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210