Although I disagree with most of the reviews, the movie's rating is spot on!. Yes, licence has been taken when telling a true life story as it should be and I'm sure that the real "Jamesy Boy"(James Burns, one of the producers), would be proud of the "final cut" as was I. Yes... some of the "gang" scenes were drawn out but they were important to show how a young boy gets sucked in for the money and lifestyle. This is NOT a true "prison movie" such as the Shawshank Redemption. The flashbacks to "Jamesy's" incarceration and eventual redemption are vital to the plot development. The performance of the lead actor, Spencer Lofranco(Jamesy) was outstanding. Yes, another Canadian like me! Yeah! True, his so called love scenes, albeit limited by the writing, were not the strongest but they were NOT the essence of this wonderful movie! Fortunately, Spencer was surrounded by a great supporting cast led by James Wood's superb performance as the warden, Ben Rosenfield(Jamesy's inmate friend), Michael Trotter(Roco) and of course, one of the finest African-American actors, Ving Rhames.Robert Thompson, Victoria, B.C. Canada

Jamesy Boy is one of the best true to life juvenile delinquent/prison films I've seen. Not only have I've seen a lot of films about guys like these that are usually exaggerated for the purpose of entertainment but I have grown up with and around a lot of guys just like James. Spencer Lofranco's portrayal for me was like looking back at the guys I hung around. Most of them got into a little bit of stuff here and there, some were worse and got sent away for a long time, but most only got juvenile detention or a few years prison. Some were really sweet but got caught up with the criminal aspect of the group so they did their time and only got into fights when they felt they had to --otherwise they weren't violent thugs and they usually cared deeply for their family {by blood and/or by choice}. Everyone in this film brought a realness to their role and didn't just put on a show and that is what makes a really good movie.If you're looking for violence and hard core thugs maybe this isn't for you...but if you have ever had a young loved one do time then find a way to get away from that life style this should be on your must see list. If you have someone like that around you now this would be good to see together and maybe they'll see there is a way out. Another excellent movie like this with a little more violence but still a good underlying message is Starred Up with Jack O'Connell who also costars with the star of Jamesy Boy in Unbroken. Both these actors deliver in their performances in both prison films in different but amazing ways. I am already spreading the word for both films and hope this helps whoever reads this to decide to give both of them a chance.

In spite of some of the violence (not too graphically displayed in most scenes), the film was well-and-sensitively done: realistic, well- considered, edited and displayed. Although I'm not a fan of that specific genre of music, it was well-chosen for the film (nice 'trailer song'). I'm recommending it because I believe the producers and directors had a genuinely-interesting story to tell. They chose good actors, researched the history, and made action and sensitive moments believable. The time-line was a little tough to follow at first, but you eventually catch up with that. They did it well. ~Bob Shank, Tucson AZ

I don't know what movie some of these other reviewers were watching but this movie was great!!! The movie was non-stop action and suspense. Most of the film was made at Maryland's House of Corrections not some Hollywood stage. A real Prison for a real story. I would recommend this movie to my friends and family. Its good to see a true life story of a person turning there life around after going through the Correctional System. Not every young man becomes just a static. The movie had a great cast with some heart felt acting. When I seen on the news this movie was made in Maryland and who the actors were I couldn't wait for it to come out. It was well worth the wait!