New Jersey's back alleys of unemployment and petty crime are explored in the off-beat comedy-drama "Palookaville". But the film's characters Sid, Russ and Jerry aren't the violent and cynical criminals that we are used to; they're sweet unemployed guys, and the film's comedy arises from their doomed attempts at being tough guys. In a quirky, low budget manner "Palookaville" sets out to tell us a story about life and love in a dead end town.

The film opens with the trio attempting to rob a jewelry store and mistakenly breaking into a Bakery instead. After a narrow escape they end up with $45 and a few dozen pastries. "We are not cut out for this," Jerry (Adam Trese), who is happily married, tells his buddies, "some people are, for instance, criminals." He's correct, but the right of way belongs to Russ (Vincent Gallo), a would be leader of men who still lives with his mother. Tormented by his petty situation he pounces on his friends, earnestly repeating himself in a lispy Jersey accent. "You've got to go with the flow," he exclaims. "When you're on the freeway and everyone is going 85 you don't slow down to 55 just because it's the law." Sid (William Forsythe), is more concerned with his two dogs than the world of crime, but he follows Russ' plans and leaves Jerry no option but to stick to the group. The bakery is only one in a line of failed crimes.

Adding to the drama, and the comedy, is that Russ's in-law Ed (Gareth Williams) is a police officer who also lives with family. He isn't so hot but definitely on the trail of the three schemers who have "business meetings" in Russ' room. At the family dinner table Ed makes inside jokes about the failed bakery robbery he suspects Russ being a part of, and Russ retorts with the dirt he has on Ed.

The acting is often remarkable and the dialogue is a constant source of amusement. Vincent Gallo provides an excellent portrayal of Russ, a character who's ideas of reality are hopelessly unmatched with the actual circumstance of his life. And Kim Dickens (an up and coming star for sure) contributes a flawless and vital performance as Laurie, Russ' neighbor and secret lover who he denies to everyone around him. But the film fails in its attempt to be profound. It's statement about honest people getting by in a time of poverty is sentimental and misplaced. Perhaps this is a result of the script being based on several short stories by Italo Calvino which took place during the 1930's depression in Italy. When Jerry, with the police on their way to the crime scene, stays to stuff his shirt with doughnuts, and when Sid steals meatballs from Russ' mother's dinner table to bring home, we laugh, but it doesn't ring true of life in contemporary New Jersey. The movie takes on the impossible task of convincing us that these generally capable guys have no choice but to turn to crime in order to eat.

Despite some great scenes and performances the film fails as a drama. The plight of the characters is too ludicrous to be taken seriously and the film ends up as a comedy of errors -more ridicules than realistic. It begins in Palookaville and that's where it stays. However, if you are a true follower of small films with quirky dialogue, a ticket to "Palookaville" may be worth the price.

"Palookaville" opens tomorrow at Catalina (Cineplex Odeon).

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