Hollywood 90028

At the time this video was shot, close to 3,000 homeless children regularly roamed the streets of Hollywood. Here we meet Angel, Candy, Samantha, Pony, Teddy Bear, Jason, and Nikki, who were teen members of the "Trolls," a group that lived under an L.A. bridge and were headed by a scary adult named Pops. Most of the kids left their homes because of abuse at the hands of their mostly druggie parents. Relying on rather muffled interviews with the well-spoken, clean-looking teens, this expensive tape desperately needs some narration, statistics, and just plain perspective. Though some scenes are disturbing-such as a segment with a prostitute describing her rape-most scenes are imbued with a party atmosphere. I couldn't help but wonder if teens already inclined to life on the streets wouldn't find appealing the constant clowning around with friends, being able to utilize social services as needed, becoming part of the Trolls "family," and, somehow, always having enough to eat. Lacking any real social commentary and failing as an overview of the plight of homeless teens, this unfocused effort is not recommended. Aud: H, P. (K. Glaser)