David Veloz made his directorial debut with this drama adapted from the autobiography of comedy writer Jerry Stahl (
Ben Stiller), whose $6000-a-week heroin habit had him taking his infant daughter along on his drug runs and doing smack during TV script conferences. Departing detox, Stahl explores memories with survivor Kitty (
Maria Bello), who listens patiently to Stahl's flashback. Other women in Stahl's life are his British wife Sandra (
Elizabeth Hurley) and his agent Vola (Lourdes Benedicto). For the TV series "Mr. Chompers" (inspired by
ALF), Stahl meets with sitcom exec Craig Ziffer (
Fred Willard) and puppeteer Allen (Charles Fleischer). For freaky freebasing, Stahl hangs with mumbler Nicky (
Owen Wilson) and druggie Gus (
Peter Greene). Stahl himself can be seen in a cameo as the methadone clinic doctor. Shown at the 1998 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide