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.

'Where the Day Takes You' is a highly underrated drama that seems to only survive via word-of-mouth as one of those odd early 90s well-done social commentary films with a solid (and mostly then-unknown) cast.There were several movies in the late 80s and early 90s that looked at homelessness and runaways, though some of these were human interest documentaries. 'Where the Day Takes You' portrays the commonly ignored castaways in a more honest way than say, the major headlines playing up the situation every once in a while. It offers no forgiveness for who they are and demands no sympathy (well...not much...the narrative is bound by certain elements to make its point). Most of all, unlike similar stories, this one does not dare acquiesce to the Hollywood happy ending nor any other trappings of the Hollywood industry.The title says it all of our characters, an assortment of runaways living on the streets of Los Angeles, bonded together as something of an unofficial family. For the most part, they aspire to no certain future, and live according to 'Where the Day Takes You.' Mulroney is King, the oldest of the group recently released from prison. Lara Flynn Boyle is Heather, new to the town and one to eventually instill some sort of direction in King (and others) after several disastrous and violent incidents befall the group. This hard-to-find movie is really worth watching (though plug your ears at the Melissa Etheridge soundtrack moments), and one that deserves more credit as part of these actors histories.

In the beginning I wasn't really convinced about the quality of the movie. Especially the first 30 minutes weren't too special. It felt too much like a typical late eighties / early nineties movie than like an all time classic. But I have to admit that, even though it's a bit of a slow starter, it really is a good movie especially at the end. It's about a bunch of youngsters that live on the streets of L.A. trying to make a living out of stealing and begging and some occasional prostitution. You'll get a good insight on what these people's lives are like. I'm not saying that I had sympathy for them when I saw them using drugs, stealing car radio's... but at least I understood why they did it.All in all I enjoyed watching this movie. It may not be a real classic, but it sure had some potential. I give it a 7.5/10.

Moving film with issues that people who have been in the same situations will be able to relate to. Sean Astin(Greg) was really good in this film he played his part well and you feel for him and try to understand how it must feel living life the way they all do on the streets. Great cast line-up and it was good to see Will Smith in there. All the characters seemed real not just movie stars playing homeless kids.