Dogtown

Hometown boy makes good in the big city, then returns to his roots to revel in the glory--or at least get a measure of respect, or a longed-for girlfriend. The storyline may be hackneyed, but director George Hickenlooper (best known for co-directing the Apocalypse Now documentary, Hearts of Darkness) gives the well-worn theme an earnest go-around in this very modestly budgeted effort. Mary Stuart Masterson, Jon Favreau, and Natasha Gregson Wagner are among a handful of familiar actors turning in persuasive performances in this initially unpromising but ultimately rather poignant look at dead-end lives and dreams unfulfilled. A strong optional purchase. (T. Rich)