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They Call Us Monsters

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They Call Us Monsters

Released Jan 20, 2017

1h 22m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

83%

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23 Reviews

73%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Legislators debate legislation that allows for adult charges for juvenile offenders.

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Critics Consensus

They Call Us Monsters is undeniably compelling, even if it can't offer a complete look at the widespread issues it faces.

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Peter Howell

Toronto Star

Tighter editing might have made this a great movie, rather than just a good one. The material is there. But They Call Us Monsters nevertheless helps us better understand the eternal conundrum of family-loving teens who turn into violent threats ...

Rated: 2.5/4

Feb 2, 2017

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Michael O'Sullivan

Washington Post

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.

Rated: 2/4

Feb 2, 2017

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Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

There's little doubt prison reform needs to address the severe effects of locking up kids for life, but "They Call Us Monsters" feels like a well-meaning skim rather than an impassioned, expertly reasoned plea for mercy.

Jan 26, 2017

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Lear's attention to both bureaucracy and behavior helps to make the film both intellectually satisfying and emotionally resonant.

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Sep 26, 2020

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

A powerful documentary... They Call Us Monsters raises many thoughts for discussion long after the curtains fall and the prison doors slam shut on these juvenile offenders.

Nov 3, 2019

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

The film feels like a well-meaning but inadequate knee jerk response to a problem far bigger than the one offered here.

Rated: C

Feb 8, 2018

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Audience Member

Not a bad watch, leaves you feeling sad. All products of environment, if any of those kids were in another setting, things would be different. .

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

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Audience Member

An amazing film. It was raw and real and I left truly examaning what else could I do to make a change.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/03/23

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Audience Member

Monsters is a powerful, thoughtful, balanced film that will touch you on an emotional level no matter which way you find yourself leaning. You will leave with new insights and a bit changed...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is an entertaining, heartfelt, and deceptively funny story about one of the hidden parts of our society. Anyone who reviews this movie based on how much of an argument it makes for a certain outcome or policy position is entirely missing the point. This is a movie about teenagers in a strange places, dealing with their past, present, and future, and a damn good one at that.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

For me, the "monsters" are the parents in this supposedly "civil society" who cast our youth into the streets and gangs and then punish them for our failures. This is an important very well-done must-see 5-Star documentary.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

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Benjamin Lear

Director

Allegra Acosta

Actor

Nathan Corddry

Actor

Gabriel Cowan

Actor

Steven Fernandez

Actor

Nora Kirkpatrick

Actor

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They Call Us Monsters: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Legislators debate legislation that allows for adult charges for juvenile offenders.

Director: Benjamin Lear
Producer: Sasha Alpert, Gabriel Cowan
Distributor: Matson Films
Production Co: New Artists Alliance, BMP Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 20, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 21, 2017
Runtime: 1h 22m

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