On the Outs (DVD)

Shot in a bright, color-saturated palette, with great handheld camerawork (reminiscent of early Scorcese or Nick Gomez's LAWS OF GRAVITY), this film rings with authenticity. The script, developed by Lori Silverbush, is terse and realistic, drawing on improv workshops that Silverbush held with inner-city teens who shared their actual stories. Of all the amazing performances from the actors, Marte's (RAISING VICTOR VARGAS) is the most particularly memorable and charismatic. Filmed on location throughout Jersey City, including shots at the juvenile detention center, this is an urgently important tale told with heartrending honesty, frankness, intelligence, humor, and compassion.