First Time Felon

"It is not our job to straighten you out. That's your responsibility." A Chicago gangsta's transformation into a productive citizen would make standard movie-of-the-week fare, but this HBO production boasts a top-notch cast, and, freed from network censors, can more realistically portray the brutal worlds of the streets and prisons than its network counterparts. Omar Epps stars as Greg Yance, who faces five years for selling drugs. Because he is a nonviolent first time felon, the judge gives him the option of serving four months in a Marine boot camp. Delroy Lindo (Get Shorty) and William Forsythe are superb as the instructors who drill into him the life lessons of discipline and self esteem that will serve him well once he returns to his crime-ridden and drug-plagued neighborhood. Recommended. (K. Lee Benson)