You Won’t Believe How Fast ‘Sons of Ecstasy’ Climbed the Streaming Charts!

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A Max Original documentary titled “Sons of Ecstasy,” produced by the same directors as “House of Hammer,” was recently unveiled on the streaming platform. Interestingly, it’s already ranked number two on their chart, just behind the original “Den of Thieves.” The film delves into the intriguing tale of the ecstasy drug trade in Arizona during the 1990s, focusing on a feud that erupted between an English stockbroker and the son of notorious mobster “Sammy the Bull” Gravano.

Shaun Attwood, an English stockbroker residing in Phoenix, finds himself exhausted by his occupation. As a result, he takes up selling ecstasy due to his enthusiasm for Arizona’s vibrant rave culture. Simultaneously, Sammy the Bull’s grown children and ex-spouse depart from New York (making a stop in Colorado) when the FBI reveals that there may be a hit on Gerard, one of Sammy’s sons.

As a movie enthusiast, I was thrilled to see that some pivotal players were featured in the documentary. Among them were Attwood, Gerard, Sammy the Bull, and his daughter, Karen. This intriguing piece was masterfully directed by Elli Hakami and Julian P. Hobb, the same duo behind the captivating “House of Hammer”.

The official plot sounds compelling enough:

In the heart of Arizona’s ecstasy drug trade during the 1990s, an unconventional rivalry unfolds. An English stockbroker named Shaun Attwood finds himself at odds with Gerard Gravano, son of the infamous New York mobster and hitman Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano. For the first time, the Gravanos share their perspective on events. The film narrates this intriguing confrontation between a British financial mastermind and the potential Mafia successor in the Arizona wilderness through gripping personal accounts from both parties. Firearms, gangsters, and clandestine dance parties form the backdrop of a lethal struggle for dominance over an Ecstasy Empire.

It’s intriguing to note that both Shaun and Gerard had a shared ambition: amassing wealth by peddling ecstasy at nightclubs and raves, which were common in Phoenix during the 1990s. Before long, they found themselves as fierce competitors in the drug trade. Their story is marked by numerous betrayals, violence, and other tumultuous events.

So Far, Reviews are Mixed for ‘Sons of Ecstasy’

At this point, Rotten Tomatoes hasn’t compiled an official Critical and Audience rating due to a limited number of reviews. However, the few reviews that have been posted are mixed: some critics find it good, while viewers seem to dislike it. One critic did praise the film, calling it “compelling” and “well-paced,” and noting that it sheds light on the lives of criminals and their impact on families.

Based on feedback from a small number of viewers who left brief comments on Rotten Tomatoes, they found the documentary to be sluggish in pace and repetitive. Some even expressed disinterest in the subject matter. One viewer described it as “extremely slow and dull“, while another felt that the 90-minute film is 30 minutes too long.

So far, on IMDb, the documentary currently holds a rating of 5.4 out of 10, based on approximately 130 reviews. Many viewers have shared similar criticisms about the film, including pacing issues and the subject matter. It’s intriguing to speculate whether Max may have neglected to send screeners to professional critics.

At the moment, “Sons of Ecstasy” is available for streaming on Max, which means you can watch it and form your own opinion about it.

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2025-01-15 23:34