nate goes rogue.

Twelve is a little-known indie film starring Chace Crawford, aka Gossip Girl's Nate Archibald, who, ironically, is playing a very similar role in this film, aside from the heightened level of scandal and need for more emotion than Nate is capable of. The film, like Gossip Girl, is also set in New York, primarily on the Upper East Side. If you watch the show, it's basically the same concept, just less censorship (who thought it was possible?!): throw in a little more sex, show how these kids acquire the drugs and viola... you've got Twelve.

Chace plays "White Mike," a dealer who sells to the rich and privileged kids of the UES. 50 Cent turns in a stale performance as Mike's connect, who also deals the new product for which the film is named, and Emma Roberts, who generally annoys me in anything else I've seen her in, plays the good girl that Mike loves but tries to keep away from his world (and surprisingly, I didn't hate her). I enjoyed the performances of the supporting cast, including Rory Caulkin, but I feel that the characters are archetypes that have been used far too much. The plot itself was kind of ridiculous, apart from the latter half, which was beautifully acted and dark. I also find that it was over narrated. Kiefer Sutherland served as narrator, but I felt like his voice was so overpowering and misplaced. Rather than allowing the actors to portray the actual emotion required of the scenes, the narration just rattled off everything they were supposed to be doing and/or feeling, almost pushing the film in on itself. It would have been much stronger had the actors been given more room to speak or you know... act.

I can't help but think that Chace only got the role because he already plays a character that exists in the same kind of realm. I find that he's almost too attractive (what?!) to be believable as a drug dealer, but it was nice to see him expand--if only slightly--his range of emotion. Nate is normally the brooding-but-kind, privileged stoner on Gossip Girl, so it was interesting to see Chace play the other side; however, it was too difficult to judge this film on it's own because of it's striking similarities. Nothing against Chace, but I feel that it would have fared better had they chosen an actor without an association to similar material, and I look forward to seeing him in something unrelated to rich NYC prepsters because I see strength in his ability. It was still enjoyable (although dark and depressing) and well-made. Overall Rating: B-.