"A searing portrait of an out-of-control youth. Strong acting from all quarters and an especially blistering performance from Lapica. Packs a startling punch." - Variety

"Theres a real sense of authority and a raw, unmannered intensity in Lapica's performance that sets the requisite tone for the entire production. The picture establishes Lapica as one to watch, either as a filmmaker or, for that matter, an actor. Self-Medicated is just what the doctor ordered." - The Hollywood Reporter

"On the basis of this film, Monty Lapica has a career ahead of him as a director, an actor or both."
- Roger Ebert

"Self-Medicated" is a powerful, personal piece of independent filmmaking. A moving and thoughtful gem. As a director Lapica shares Michael Mann's talent for combining documentary realism in the behavior with stylized, expressive technique. - Reel.com

"Self-Medicated is that rare treat: a really good movie. Lapica's performance positions him as a rare talent in all three disciplines - and it makes Self Medicated a fascinating movie."
- The Arizona Republic

"Lapica's debut impresses with its strong, clear voice and desire to tell a very personal story."
- The Boston Globe

"It's scripted with directness and acted with honesty, it also looks and sounds gorgeous."
- The Houston Chronicle

"There is searing, at times shockingly visceral power to be found here. Lapica has some astonishing moments... the film achieving an aura of poetic majesty I honestly never would have expected from a first-time director." - MovieFreak.com

"A riveting film. If you enjoy good acting, a stirring script and a compelling and thought-provoking experience when you go to a film, this is the one for you." - Boston Now

"It's aesthetics work, the script is very intense, and Monty Lapica's performance as the young drug addict is outstanding." - ION Cinema

"The naked display of his barely healed psychic wounds infuses the film with a raw, up-from-the-gut power." - Newsday

"A powerful debut. Diane Venora is superb." - Las Vegas Weekly

"Self-Medicated is quite the calling card for an artist of ample promise." - BoxOffice.com

"The skilled assurance and confidence of Lapica's first film imparts a seriousness and depth way beyond his years." - RottenTomatoes.com

"Lapica turns in a fierce performance as his own star. Self-Medicated is a compelling small-scale drama, and Lapica is a talent to watch." - The Austin Chronicle

"So moving... Self-Medicated works as well as it does because of the fine ensemble acting."
- OC Weekly

"Thought provoking and engaging, Lapica's extraordinary debut shows a lot of promise."
- IndependentFilm.com

"The multi-talented wunderkind apparently endured an ordeal similar to that of his protagonist, and has carefully crafted an absorbing tale he was obviously well-qualified to relate." - News Blaze

"In his stunning debut as a writer-director-producer-actor, Monty Lapica compels attention."
- CompuServe

"The film is well written, well directed and is an excellent example of the internalization of anger and the effects it can have on a person's friends and family." - Campus Circle

"Lapica's craftsmanship as a first-time director is exemplary, at times innovative, and always visually appealing." - Culver City Observer

"An explosive, unpredictable shot of adrenaline. Creating not only the character of Andrew, but the words in the script and the visuals on the screen, "Self-Medicated" represents a tour de force accomplishment for young Lapica." - Chelsea Now

"Riveting." - Las Vegas Leisure Guide

"For a 24-year-old to create such a dynamic film as his first project is amazing."
- Arts and Entertainment Magazine

"An intense and beautifully acted tale." - Crosswinds Weekly

"Lapica's portrayal of youth at bay, battling circumstances beyond his control, recalls the cinematic angst of "Rebel Without a Cause." - Point of Contact

"A great film." - Las Vegas Sun

"With good acting and deft storytelling, Self Medicated offers a rare combination: raw intensity and honesty." - UM Portal

"Lapica plays the lead well, showing that he can act as well as we writes and directs."
- Valley Scene Magazine

"Lapica's turned his experiences into an independent film that has won almost 40 awards at festivals around the world. There are solid reasons Self-Medicated won all those statues."
- San Diego CityBeat

"Lapica's performance is astounding, and no exaggeration is meant in this appraisal. Rarely does one find an adolescent's troubled life portrayed with such genuine feeling and authenticity. Lapica's every glance and facial movement communicates volumes; his are such movements as writers base entire chapters on." - Rice University Thresher

"A chilling and personal look at juvenile psychiatric facilities that marks the debut of a significant new director." - Hollywood Today

"This frightening story of abduction and abuse has raised serious questions about parent/teen relationships and discipline." - View News

"A daunting and impressive debut." - Mountain Xpress

"Top performances and story make this an outstanding specialized release."
- Movieline International

"A great watch... The film is very smooth, powerful and relatable. What's most interesting is the fact that Monty Lapica has made such an accomplishment on his first attempt."
- Examiner.com