There is no doubt that director Aimee Lagos has talent and she may go on to bigger things. Some moments of this film are exciting and others are moving. The actors, though largely unknown, give capable performances. Based on a true story, this is a film about how four lives come together in a dangerous carjacking which spirals out of control, even for the perpetrators. The time sequence jumps back and forth and while it's easy enough to follow, it gets irritating. It's also filled with thoroughly unpleasant people and drops the f-bomb repeatedly, and although it's probably an accurate portrayal of the big city, it's hard to care too much even for the innocent victims. Besides the constant flashbacks and flash-forwards, the worst part of this film seems determined to wallow in squalor. There are also a lot of early scenes which contribute little to the central story and clutter the film. The last half hour of the film is the best, when the film no longer has flashbacks and flash-forwards. I was disappointed even though there were moments that were well-done and compelling.

"I never should have gotten out of bed this morning." Carley (Snow) is about to graduate from college and her father isn't interested in attending. Lena (Serratos) just found out that her boyfriend is cheating on her. Dre (Ross) just found out that he will be able to graduate high school and finally has found a way out of gang life. Kevin (Trautmann) wants nothing more then to join a gang. When him and Dre get into an argument that ends up in carjacking the car that belongs to Carley with Lena has a passenger. The best way to describe this is "Crash" with teens. Total strangers who are all connected by one event that threatens to ruin all of them. This is very moving, powerful and intense. I highly recommend this one but much like "Crash" it's not really one you can watch over and over. The acting is great and the movie is a mix of flashbacks and current events that really make you feel connected to the characters and find your self sad and angry all at once. Overall, a surprisingly good movie that deserves to be watched. I give it a B+

This movie follows four young people struggling in their own way with their education. The main male lead is a senior high school student (Evan Ross) who grew up in a terrible environment, and tries to escape his "fate" (or what people expect him to become) by studying hard and trying to get a good education. An excellent, excellent movie! The two leading actors (and most others) just did a great job! We saw the part of the movie crew at a premiere; they explained that beyond the heavy tension of the movie, they actually had a hard time not spending their time laughing with each other... This totally did not show up on the screen, the movie is tensed throughout and the acting (again) just excellent. The directing is just sublime as well, excellent shot decisions that gives the proper atmosphere to the movie with a lot of close up shots to focus on the characters.

This film is absolutely remarkable. The acting is elite, the soundtrack keeps you engaged even through those moments where you want to turn away. and the direction and script is beyond stellar. Brittany Snow gives a powerful performance and your heart screams for her character the entire time. Evan Ross balances a soulful excitement with a mixed toughness and his eyes never cease to keep you engaged. He definitely earned his Breakthrough Performance Award @ SXSW. Christian Serratos breaks out and shows you exactly how a serious bad day escalates into ultimate terror. J.Michael Trautmann is a G. Fact. And David Oyelowo commands the screen as Duane with a heart felt humility and real world understanding.Aimee Lagos has put together an instant classic, based on true events from East St. Louis and set in the beautiful city of Atlanta, GA. She takes you on a non linear ride that refuses to allow you the chance to get comfortable, while keeping your attention glued to the screen. Michael Fimognari shoots a beautiful film and as soon as he establishes a moment, they tear away to another plot point in the day between these 4 kids and the surrounding worlds each group inhabits.I recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good film and is willing to allow the film to affect them beyond the visual and audio of the story. This film will grab you, shake you and leave you thinking hard on the different levels we all experience and deal with in our lives. An amazing and exceptional work.