Hangin' with the Homeboys

Vasquez' open-hearted view toward his characters redeems even the hoariest clichés of this otherwise engaging and admirable addition to the guys-night-out sub-genre.

It's all a little too pat, which is the danger in such carefully symmetric ensemble pieces But Hangin' With the Homeboys was nicely made and the script has its moments (many of them ripely vulgar).

By far the best of this year's run of ethnic independent films, Hangin' With the Homeboys transcends its drive-in title to become a compelling Cassavetes-like study of male friendship.

Director Vasquez treats the people in his movie sympathetically, but with an edge of irony that makes most of what happens humorous.

Vasquez is on firm ground throughout because he knows the territory -- the habits, the attitudes, the pastimes, the hopes and dreams of these young men.