The story is told from a prison flashback. The plot runs in the present with flashbacks to the past. This is done rather plainly, i.e. they didn't try to tie lessons learned in the street to doing things in prison. James is a troubled youth with an ankle bracelet. He starts a life of crime, gets caught and writes poetry, of which we hear very little. He is supposedly mentored in prison by Ving Rhames, but those scenes are infrequent, and the relationship is not well established.

His mom (Mary-Louise Parker) stood by him when nobody else would. Jamesy shows that while he is a criminal who deals drugs and robs people, he is basically a softy at heart. A so-so plot of a mixed up kid who did time in prison. The acting was good.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, stripper nudity

Based on ex-convict James Burns's early life, 'Jamesy Boy' makes an earnest attempt to portray a true-story, with honesty. The results are, well not always right & quite uneven too, but in totality, it's well-made.

'Jamesy Boy' Synopsis: A young gang member turns his life around in prison, thanks to the friendship he forms with a convicted murderer who becomes his mentor.

'Jamesy Boy' aces in one department & that being its performances. James Woods is unbelievably powerful in his portrayal of a warden, who knows the difference between a true criminal & a man thrown into crime. The amount of depth & dignity Ving Rhames brings to his part, that being of a man behind bars for multiple murders, is something to be witnessed. Mary-Louise Parker melts your heart as James's mother. And lastly Spencer Lofranco. He delivers a worthy performance as James Burns/Jamesy Boy.

Trevor White's Writing could've been tighter for sure, but he still manages to tell a story that has merit. It's a troubled story, told somewhat effectively. White's Direction, on the other-hand, is competent.

On the whole, 'Jamesy Boy' isn't flawless, but it does have some pluses.

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