A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints [dir. Dito Montiel]

2006, 98 minutes [2nd viewing]
w/ Shia LaBeouf, Channing Tatum, Robert Downey Jr.
[While the first time around I found the story and characters to be both affecting and interesting, as well as mostly convincing, I was able to focus on the innovative, experimental direction from the rookie helmer and subject Dito Montiel. He pays homage to the comparative Mean Streets with on screen titles for a few of the characters, as well as techniques such as playing a snippet of future chaos a few minutes before it happens, effectively adding an ominous atmosphere of what's to come. The story itself is nothing shocking or fresh as the Hughes brothers touched on the similar "no way out" mentality of youth in the ghettos in their first two films. LaBeouf carries the heaviest load on his back as young Dito but its surprisingly Channing Tatum, who I hated before seeing this for the first time, who shows serious if not limited potential (including a great scene where he throws a chair through a window in improv). Robert Downey Jr. is pitch perfect as present Dito and its doubtful anyone was better for the part of Dito's father as Chazz Palminteri. The heap of credit goes to Montiel, though, who rather than hire someone else to direct the film for him or seem safe in his approach, pushes the envelope artisitically and personally.]

***1/4