They Call Us Monsters

Name: They Call Us Monsters
Genre: Documentary
Released: January 20, 2017
Duration: 82 min
Rating: 65

2017

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Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews

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They Call Us Monsters

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Movie Details & Credits

Matson Films | Release Date: January 20, 2017 | Not Rated

Summary: They Call Us Monsters takes viewers behind the walls of the Compound, the facility where Los Angeles houses its most violent juvenile criminals. To their advocates, they’re kids. To the system, they’re adults. To their victims, they’re monsters.

Director: Ben Lear

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 82 min

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Critic Reviews

Stephen Farber

Jan 19, 2017

There is no simple answer to the questions this film poses, but it makes us think about the complexities of an issue that has been muddied by tough-on-crime politicians. Read full review

April Wolfe

Jan 19, 2017

Yes, this film is important for its insistence that we see these boys as capable of rehabilitation in the right environment. But it’s the movie’s daring structure and humanity that make it worthy of the Lear name. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Matt Fagerholm

Jan 20, 2017

There’s a considerable amount of catharsis in They Call Us Monsters, but it is bittersweet at best. Read full review

Ben Kenigsberg

Jan 19, 2017

They Call Us Monsters doesn’t shy from the consequences of the violence the prisoners were accused of (we meet a paralyzed victim of a shooting), even as it suggests that the system...proceeds almost mechanically. Read full review

Nick Schager

Jan 21, 2017

They Call Us Monsters, alas, is so taken with its access to kids facing such legal circumstances that it forgets to form a compelling argument about them. Read full review

G. Allen Johnson

Jan 26, 2017

The documentary They Call Us Monsters tries, and mostly succeeds, at putting a human face on teenage criminals facing life in prison. Read full review

Michael O'Sullivan

Feb 2, 2017

Even if you agree with the film’s argument that teenagers shouldn’t be locked up for life when there are other ways to save them, “Monsters” doesn’t offer a convincing argument that a screenwriting class is that lifeline. Read full review

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User Reviews

3ebfan511

Jul 2, 2017

Pretty good doc about juvenile offenders. It basically follows 3 young offenders in LA who have all been accused of pretty serious crimes (including attempted murder) and you get to know their personalities, story, and even families a little as they work together on a short screenplay asPretty good doc about juvenile offenders. It basically follows 3 young offenders in LA who have all been accused of pretty serious crimes (including attempted murder) and you get to know their personalities, story, and even families a little as they work together on a short screenplay as part of a screenwriting class in prison. Its pretty interesting how the kids seem laid back and fairly normal in class but then you find out about the crimes they may have committed and that is where the film is most effective. It is also a bit sad some of their circumstances, although they also say some funny stuff when they are goofing off with each other. If you like "LockedUp" or any prison/crime docs you will most likely find something interesting and worthwhile here.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

Proteus

Jun 23, 2017

Good movie. I saw a stat once that 80% of death row inmates have a documented severe head injury in their past. These young kids who commit horrific violence need to be incarcerated for the good of society. Not to punish them but to keep them from doing it again. Too bad, but I vote forGood movie. I saw a stat once that 80% of death row inmates have a documented severe head injury in their past. These young kids who commit horrific violence need to be incarcerated for the good of society. Not to punish them but to keep them from doing it again. Too bad, but I vote for very long prison time for that reason.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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