Where the Day Takes You (1992)

Melissa Etheridge's film debut as an arist, the timing of the song with what's occurring in the scene is amazing. I cried harder than I had in a long time. I too spent a good deal of time learning life's lessons as a homeless teen. Believing the world to be a wonderful place and growing up faster than I ever should have, all the while obtaining a perspective on life that has yet to tarnish my way of thinking. Humbled by my ability to relate to the harsh reality of this film and what I had lived through... It condemns nothing, and never lies to you about the reality of the world around us. It's film making at it's best. No hype, no bs... A piece of reality that reminds us of how great it is, no matter who or where we are.

A few years ago, an ex-girlfriend of mine suggested that I watch this movie. She claimed it as being one of her favorites. Seeing as how it had Durmot Muroney starring in it, I figured I would give it a chance. "King", was by far my favorite character in the movie. I was pulled into his character immediately, and the ride didn't stop until the end credits were over. This movie hit a very personal chord deep within me, and the lasting effects of watching this particular movie are still with me today. Although the entire cast did a fantastic job of acting out their parts, "King", was my favorite because at the time I watched this film, I was a lot like him; except the being homeless part. As far as Sean Astin and the part he played, I couldn't relate very much at all, but that didn't matter because his role was extremely powerful and believable! One more thing, if it wasn't for Melissa Etheridge and her incredible talent, I do not think this movie would have touched as many people as it did. Just a great movie, period.

I first saw this movie at a friends house when I was 14 or 15. I was crying like a baby at the end of it, and have seen it maybe 50 times since, and last year I finally found a copy of it that I could buy. Not the most well-known movie, despite it's famous and brilliant cast. Storyline goes as follows; A group of homeless kids on the streets of LA, lead by the young man King (Dermot Mulroney) struggles with drugs, cops, love, life, each other and themselves. The movie starts as King is being released from jail after serving three months for 'assault with a deadly weapon'. When he hits the streets again, his 'family' as he calls them has become a broken one. He is slowly trying to piece it back together. Heather (Lara Flynn Boyle) is the new comer to the group, and King takes a liking to her. Greg (Sean Astin) has delved into drugs, Little J (Balthazar Getty) is trying to deal with aggression and growing up. But with all the temptations around to make a quick buck, how to survive on the streets, parents who call the police on you, and the ultimately a murder it's hard to stay together as a family. A love story about all the things you want and need, but is hard to make happen in an impossible world.Mentions also to Will Smith, Ricki Lake, James LeGros,Laura San Giacomo, Kyle McLachlan and Alyssa Milano. A story that could easily be a true one, considering how many homeless kids there are on our streets. Never patronising, never indulgent, never moral, but brilliantly written, directed, casted, acted and the soundtrack leaves you yearning for Melissa Etheridge and Buffalo Springfield. A 10/10 for me and I agree that it should be released on DVD and re-released as a whole for a new audience. Beautiful, beautiful... 'Just go where the day takes you.....'

Marc Rocco writes and directs us into the world of homeless runaways on the streets of Hollywood in this often overlooked early-nineties gem. Artistic, fast-paced editing and a unique story structure capture and hold our interest with an emotional acoustic soundtrack by Melissa Etheridge. The dim lighting can be frustrating, but it certainly helps to convey the darkness of the subject matter. Understated perfomances also create a compelling character-driven drama by a cast of soon-to-be stars, before the mediocrity of fame had a chance to dull their talent. (Will Smith, Kyle MacLachlan, Tara Flynn Boyle, Rikki Lake, etc...) Life on the streets has rarely been conveyed so well, and the themes and social issues raised are wrapped in an extremely appealing package.