Eboni Lee Baby faced 21 year old Ron lands in jail on drugs charges. A few weeks into his time he approaches a prison veteran of 18 years named Earl. For some reason Ron brings out parental instincts in Earl and they become inseparable. This isn't your average prison movie. Don't go into this expecting a lot of bloody fights or riots because that's fair from what you'll get. You'll get a few guys trying to unsuccessfully rape Ron thanks to the interference of earl. And maybe even a shower stabbing or two. But what you'll get is a story of friendship and understanding. Although I wish certain parts of the film where explored a lot more like learning about earls past I feel like it's a solid, well thought out and executed script with great characters, shout out to JAN Ron's cell mate.For me it's a 9/10

Spikeopath The prison genre of film has a very chequered history, and the number of films are many, very much so, both good and bad. It has gotten to the stage where in this day and age we yearn and need more from our prison based films, something more substantial away from rape and violence, away from father figures, or of redemption and friendship bonds. Unfortunately Animal Factory relies on all the clichés of the genre to tell its tale, which is actually at odds with how good a film it is. Deftly performed by the principal cast members, mounted with a keen eye by director Steve Buscemi, and played with an authentic vibe that lures you in and keeps you hooked, but there is unfortunately nothing remotely new here. However, if you are not over familiar with the prison based arc of cinema? Then this delivers rewards, and such is the quality of production, it doesn't deserve to be marked down. 7/10

Scott LeBrun Ron Decker (Edward Furlong) is busted for dealing marijuana. He comes from privilege, but the court is determined to make an example out of him, to prove that they show no favouritism among criminals. Shortly after his arrival in prison, he's able to make the acquaintance of Earl Copen (Willem Dafoe), a veteran convict who takes Ron under his wing.As anybody familiar with the late actor / writer / former convict Edward Bunker could expect, this simply drips with authenticity. Director Steve Buscemi opts to go for gritty realism, and achieves it masterfully. He doesn't concern himself with being flashy or stylistic, and creates an utterly convincing environment. What's commendable about "Animal Factory" is that it goes for more nuance than one might expect, and doesn't merely deal in stereotypes when it comes to the convict characters. Buscemi also fills the cast with an excellent ensemble of his peers. He filmed this at the actual Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.Furlong is just right in his role; he's no wide eyed innocent, for sure; his character is no stereotype, either. But it's Dafoe who will command the viewers' attention. He performs with a subtle level of intensity and charisma. You can believe in Earl as a pivotal figure in this prison. An unrecognizable Mickey Rourke plays Rons' transvestite cellmate, and does it with a refreshing lack of exaggeration. The sterling group of actors also includes Danny Trejo, himself a former jailbird who made good (Trejo and Bunker are co-producers as well), Mark Boone Junior, Seymour Cassel, Tom Arnold, John Heard, Chris Bauer, J.C. Quinn, Larry Fessenden, and Buscemi himself.There's no melodrama here. Everything is appreciably under stated. Straightforward filming of Bunkers' novel and efficient storytelling make this a fine bit of entertainment.Seven out of 10.

merklekranz With the powerhouse cast on board, I expected much better. Willem Dafoe, Danny Trejo, John Heard, Mickey Rourke, Steve Buscemi, Seymour Cassel, is enough talent for two prison movies, but "Animal Factory" disappoints. The main problem is the entire production seems more like an expose on prison life, rather than a drama. I simply felt like an observer watching convict stereotypes on parade. There just wasn't enough story to keep an audience's interest. The longer "Animal Factory" went on, the more it approached total boredom. Sure an unrecognizable Mickey Rourke is a plus, and Willem Dafoe is always intriguing, but here they are mostly wasted, along with the rest of a fine cast. - MERK