Story Ave

When Luis Guzmán comes out to use his movie star charm to take this movie and put it into his pocket, you just go "Oh yes."

A homespun vision of the borough, the film nevertheless struggles to leave a mark, like paint sprayed into open air.

The outlines of the movie’s story are familiar, but Torres has resourcefulness, energy, and imagination to burn in how he tells it.

The film is cleareyed about Kadir’s artistic values and the potentially dangerous outcomes of his decisions.

Director/co-screenwriter Aristotle Torres’ street-smart story feels as if someone experienced it and is most effective when Kadir feels the tug between being in a gang and pursuing his artistic talents.

In a quiet and compassionate supporting performance, Luis Guzmán proves a beacon for a young graffiti artist — and for this debut feature from Aristotle Torres.

Tremendous. This reminded of the great indies we got in the 1990s.

'Story Ave' throws just enough surprises and room for the performances to do the work in making this a meaningful experience.

To be sure, “Story Ave” may seem familiar but thanks to Blackk and Guzman’s fine work as well as Torres’ honest approach, it proves to be an unexpected and moving surprise.

Story Ave has lots to say that’s unexpected and thoughtful, seeing gentrification from the other side and, most notably, pondering on inner lives of graffiti gangs and their quest for immortality.