They Call Us Monsters

Ben Lear, son of legendary TV producer and leading Hollywood liberal Norman Lear, directed this unsettling documentary about juveniles charged as adults for felonies they committed as young as 11 years of age. After a general introduction to the controversial subject, including footage of children clearly confused by the legal system and hard-right politicians spewing thoughtless rhetoric, the film focuses on a handful of teen boys locked up in a Sylmar, CA, juvenile hall. Jarad is a puppyish-looking prisoner whose ongoing trial proceedings concern his shooting of a girl who is now wheelchair-bound. Antonio is surprised to learn that he is being released and he vows to make something of his life—until he finds himself mired once again in the same desperate situation at home that led to earlier troubles. And Juan is a young father who will not likely get a chance to raise his son, since he will be deported following completion of his term. Together, their stories form the core of They Call Us Monsters, and while Lear is hardly blind to the damage that each has done to others, he clearly favors the spirit behind legal efforts to create paths toward release for some minors. A thought-provoking film, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)