Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Name: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Comedy
Released: 1998-05-22
Cast: Johnny Depp, Benicio del Toro, Tobey Maguire, Michael Lee Gogin, Larry Cedar

1998 | 118 min | Adventure, Drama, Comedy

Weeknight Watch

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With a box office loss and middling reviews (50% on Rotten Tomatoes), it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who wants a laugh and adventure fans. If you loved Rain Man or Chocolat, start here. Audiences love it more than critics do: a crowd-pleaser first.
The mood: Darkly funny.
The pace: Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 58 min.
What might put you off: Rated R: expect drug use.
Critics were cooler on it than audiences.

Raoul Duke and his attorney Dr. Gonzo drive a red convertible across the Mojave desert to Las Vegas with a suitcase full of drugs to cover a motorcycle race. As their consumption of drugs increases at an alarming rate, the stoned duo trash their hotel room and fear legal repercussions. Duke begins to drive back to L.A., but after an odd run-in with a cop, he returns to Sin City and continues his wild drug binge.