A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

views updated

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints ★★½ 2006 (R)

More than anything Dito Montiel (LeBeouf) wants to get out of his 1986 Queens' Astoria neighborhood and away from his irascible father Monty (Palminteri). But for now, Dito hangs out with his pals, especially tough thug Antonio (Tatum) and Irish newcomer Mike (Compston), as well as girlfriend Laurie (Diaz). But the streets are changing—and not for the better. Years later, Dito (now played by Downey Jr.) returns home because his dad is dying. However, not everyone he knew is there to say hello. Based on debut writer/director Montiel's coming-of-age memoir. 98m/C DVD . US Shia LaBeouf, Robert Downey Jr., Chazz Palminteri, Dianne Wiest, Channing Tatum, Melonie Diaz, Martin Compston, Eric Roberts, Rosario Dawson; D: Dito Montiel; W: Dito Montiel; C: Eric Gautier; M: Jonathan Elias.