Downey Jr. at his best, a surprisingly sharp LaBeouf and a decent story makes this movie good.

Omitted a lot of what I would've liked to have seen from growing up during that time. The scenes with Chazz P. are the whole draw.

Strong acting in the end but a weak story in the beginning. I only really liked the last 30 minuts, all stuff that happened before that doesn't really move me.

An autobiographical account from the writer/director, viewed from the past and the present.

An underrated character study.

Like the boys, Montiel's first film is rough and uneven, with more energy than it knows what to do with. But it still manages to feel fresh and authentic, perhaps because it's so deeply autobiographical.

this movie is like a locomotive, no, a locomotive painted by leonardo da vinci. it's strikingly beautiful from the time it begins, but as time passes it gains steam and becomes a powerful and wonderful thing. it has heartfelt drama, great acting, emotion, and the events to help it go where sheer dialog cannot. it has such wonderful characters that are complex with their good and their bad; it explores the grey areas where our minds sometimes can't decide what's right or wrong.

Pretty good. When the film first starts out, all that is there is profanity and drugs and boys acting like idiots. It wasn't until the story really came in the middle and end where it got more interesting. The writing was great of how realistic it was and it never got sappy. Give the film a chance. It gets good later.

#00s#, story, R DowneyJr.

meh

Good visuals, realistically chaotic delivery. Some good performances (though RDJ was miscast), especially Anthony DeSando (Frank the dog walker). Story was pretty dull though and the kids were too antisocial and nasty to care about.

boring as hell

Uses a really fascinating editing style. That and Channing Tatum are the high points.

Better than I expected, but less Rosario Dawson than I was hoping for... I think Robert Downey Jr is overrated but I enjoyed his understated performance. Maybe he was totally doped up during this one.

This film is a powerful look at a chapter in a young man's life.The film does not shy away from the ugliness that is a part of so many young kids lives growing up in the inner city.The acting by all is very good.

Favorite book, so I liked the movie.

I'm a sucker for Robert Downey so I'm biased. This wasn't bad. I haven't read the book but it was likely better. There isn't enough of Dito's character for me to really get a mancrush on.

Pleasant surprise. A very honest film that pulls off the conflicting urban cool with a sense of reality and sincerity. Didn't like RDJ, but hey, it's OK. Recommended.

Got 10 minutes in and couldn't finish it.

I enjoyed this film... not too hard-hitting, but it gives insight into how things change and how we can never relive the past because it's never the same.

Very good indepent American film. Told in an intelligent way, and acted very well. The film shows how profound the influence of a parent on the life of a kid can be.

I'm not sure why I hadn't heard immense praise for this movie; in fact I hadn't heard anything at all. It's really great. One of the most personal and intimate character studies I've ever seen. The flashback sequences are almost convincing as documentary, with all the handheld camerawork and quick cuts, and the narrative doesn't get tripped up on its frequent flashback/forward structure. This is the first time Shia LaBeouf has really impressed me as well.