'Holy Rollers' review

Jesse Eisenberg (Credit: First Independent Pictures)

Sam (Jesse Eisenberg) is an Orthodox Jew and isn't excited about much. He works for his dad and is supposed to study to be a rabbi, and his arranged marriage ends before it even begins. So when his neighbor (Justin Bartha of “The Hangover”) brings him into an Ecstasy-dealing operation that relies on Hasidic Jews to smuggle drugs from Europe, Sam gets a taste of an unrepressed life.

The buzz: “Holy Rollers” is inspired by true events in the late ‘90s and features a cameo by rap legend Q-Tip as a drug dealer. Pretty cool.

The verdict: Director Kevin Asch keeps “Holy Rollers” pretty close to the chest, sometimes sacrificing clarity and detail with poor transitions and a sense that he’s just trying to keep things moving along. Fortunately, he also doesn’t overdo anything. This is an unusual story in which a young man struggles with his own desires and how they match with his faith, and “Holy Rollers” understands how that conflict is specific to these characters. Meanwhile, Eisenberg keeps his quirks in check and Ari Graynor (“Whip It”) delivers another standout turn in a small role. Keep an eye on that one.

Did you know? Sam’s boss (Danny A. Abeckaser) toasts “To good business and good friends, in that order.” Probably best not to do this if you’re hoping to become friends with your co-workers.

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