Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Blistering performances.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

The plot touched a new level of interracial dating for that time. The early nineties opened up a door of acceptance. Yet, it was slowly closing a door of hate towards interracial friendships and relationships. The plot has a seasoned flavor. You wanted to catch every detail of the movie. You admired the friendship between Zack and Dee. Dee loved Zack like a brother. However, Zack battled between friendships. Although he acted so-called black around Dee, he still remained to be in tune with his white friends. Zack was more confused than anything. The thought of dating a black girl was exciting. Yet, he was interested in her beauty, her style, and mind. The two played it safe for a while but no one really approved except for Dee. Trouble is always around. Yet, it's sad when it lives across the street. The infamous "Nut" had a crush on Nikki. He did not like Zack at all. He was an abandoned child that was clearly uneducated. He was not a gang member but he was full of hate due to his surroundings. What led to the tragic scene of Dee's killing was a stupid act of passion. Nikki was vulnerable during her break-up with Zack. Nut was caring for the moment and the two kissed. She regretted the mistake, yet she left Nut confused. So...to see Nikki and Zack rekindling there relationship made him mad. A huge confrontation between Nut and Zack was interrupted by Dee. Dee always came to Zack's rescue. He pushed Nut on the floor and Nut acted out. He shot and killed Dee. Nut had intentions of shooting Zack but Dee became the target. What a plot!!! Zack is hated because their friendship got Dee killed. Nikki is hated because she crossed the racial barriers. Everybody is blaming the two. Overall, this movie remains to be the best interracial love story. It teaches about racism, love, young adults, violence, hate, friendship, and family.

A well-intentioned and rather interesting study into condemnation and the culture of the youth in the 1990s, there is however little that is done with the material. Too much time is spent on showing why the relationship is not approved, and the film spends too little time showing how and why the relationship has resulted. The film has some important things to say in terms of prejudices in society, but, it never manages to present them in a way so that they do not seem hackneyed. Either way, some fine acting - from both the leads in particular - solidifies the movie when the other elements do not suffice.

The performances in the film are terrific. From Mike Rappaport to new-comer N'Bushe Wright, this little sleeper hit is sure to appeal to all genders, races, ages, etc. The message in the movie is the most important part of all. I wish I could see some more of Ray Sharkey's work, he is most impressive.

Initially I suspected that this might be another rather typical examination of racial strife in high school, almost of an ABC Afterschool special caliber. However, it was quite impressive in its portrayal not only of racial tensions but of the quality of friendship between two young men. Michael Rapaport typically flashes a somewhat limited range in his roles (he has most certainly been typecast by now) but his performance here has exceptional moments - particular in the last scene of the film where his emotion is tangible without being overdone.