Ron Decker (Furlong) is a young drug dealer from a wealthy background and is sent to prison on drug charges.

As the new kid on the block he soon becomes the target for many of his fellow inmates who are attracted to his young pretty face...

But prison kingpin Earl (Dafoe) takes a a shine to him - though their friendship isn't enough to keep the hot-headed Ron out of trouble, and before long an escape bid is brewing.

The film explores Earl's relationships with the other inmates, prison guards and young Ron - and after a bit of a slow start it picks up with some good performances from Dafoe and Furlong, who work well together on screen.

Although the film isn't a big Hollywood studio title, Buscemi has called in favours from friends (who are also big Hollywood stars - including Tom Arnold in a cameo as a predatory redneck named Psycho Mike).

Ron's cellmate, Mickey Rourke, is nearly unrecognisable as the transvestite drag performer, Jan the Actress.

While Steve (Mr Pink) Buscemi directs and has an unwise cameo as member of the parole board, while the screenplay is from former thief/prison inmate turned writer/actor Edward (Mr Blue) Bunker who starred alongside Buscemi in Resovoir Dogs.

Dee Lakhan