GenQ - For the not so straight individual

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

Out Now on DVD

Robert Downey Jr.

Channing Tatum

Madman Entertainment

Set between 1986 and 1995 in New York, this film tells of Ditto Montiel a guy just trying to live his life in a world of violence and harsh realities. A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints was directed and written by Ditto Montiel in this autobiographical story.

 

 When Ditto's father becomes sick he is asked to come home and care for him. Robert Downey Jr. plays the lead role of the grown up Ditto. Monty loves his son dearly and is unable to see just what a train wreck his life has become. His friends who continue to keep up the charade, further blind him to what is happening.

 

The depressing setting makes this film what it is. These kids have no future and it becomes apparent from the opening credits. Their lives simply revolve around violence and abusive of themselves and the people around them. We really begin to feel for the characters at one point but then see that they are responsible for what they have become. With such a good cast assembled it will be easy not to miss this film.

 

The acting and the grittiness make this a believable and honest account of Ditto's life. There are some emotional scenes so be prepared for those. I liked this film even though it's depressing overall. The shirtless scenes of Channing Tatum will certainly make an added bonus.

Marcus Richa