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

I thought Steve Buscemi's movie "Tree's Lounge" was pretty boring and depressing. But his second movie "Animal Factory" is a lot better. Edward Furlong plays this pot dealer who gets sent to jail on some completely retarded charge by some mentally constipated judge. There he meets a bunch of people, one of them being Willem Dafoe, who although being kind of scary is nice enough to Ed because he likes the way Ed looks. From there the movie is basically about survival and how the system basically screws Ed over time and time again and how Ed must learn to depend on the murderers, rapists and child molesters inside because they have more integrity than the people living under or working for the system on the outside. You get to see Mickey Rourke wearing lipstick and eye shadow and acting like a complete flaming queen. Tom Arnold appears as a psychotic inmate who targets in on Ed. There's lots of good stuff here but the acting above all is top-notch. Way to go Steve!

This isn't just a violent prison story, though it certainly has that, it really is a story about an innocent's slide into despair. There are moments where humanity shines through. Furlong's acting is powerful and naive and Dafoe's subtle, menacing and compassionate. It is very disturbing at times and unpredictable in its twists and turns. Fortunately a lot of the gang violence is often hinted at and not shown. there are even moments of humour, though rare. It's not too distant from Shawshank in its ambiance, not story, and I found it just as compelling. There are several minor roles, especially the drag queen, that are wonderfully played, poignant and unsettling and Mickey Rourke is top notch. The setting is dirty and ugly, but it is a prison of course. A film with subtle and natural dialogue, and a film with a nice pace and flow.

Vastly underrated prison movie with excellent characters, an interesting and sentimental plot, good score, and fast pace.The chemistry between Dafoe and Furlong is convincing and it seems that both actors got along really well. Their characters needed such a good chemistry because all the situations they go through require a good relationship.The way Dafoe protects Furlong inside prison (of course, a "light" prison compared to the one of, for example, "American History X" to say the least) is somehow tender and as their "friendship" evolves it gets more endearing."Animal Factory" won't add anything new to your life or will change your mentality but it's a pleasant watch with a positive message. So if you are looking for a movie to just watch once and are in the mood for a good "buddy" flick this might be a good option.For a more solid, deep movie in the likes of this one, try "American History X", also starring Edward Furlong.