Where The Day Takes You

Where the Day Takes You is a gritty look at the lives of runaways who survive on the streets of Los Angeles. The film is told through the recollections of a parolee (Dermont Mulroney) to his prison psychologist (an uncredited Laura San Giacomo). The movie cuts between his interviews and footage of him on the streets, where he tries to convince his friends and fellow runaways not to sink into a life of drugs and violence. The film's cast includes Kyle MacLachlan, Christian Slater, Sean Astin, Adam Baldwin, Will Smith, and Lara Flynn Boyle. -- Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide

Homelessness is a serious problem, but this film by Mark Rocco made it look like an alternative lifestyle that, if not for drugs and prostitution, would be kind of cool. Set in Los Angeles, the film centers on a group of homeless teens led by King (Dermot Mulroney), who tries to look out for his younger charges. But he can't keep some of them from getting involved in drug dealing, which leads to violence and melodrama involving evil drug dealer Kyle MacLachlan. Mulroney has a poignant quality, as does Lara Flynn Boyle as a runaway girl he falls for. On the other hand, Sean Astin is stereotypical as a strung-out kid who spoils everything. That's Will "Fresh Prince" Smith as a legless kid in a couple of scenes. --Marshall Fine