film-maker Liz Garbus continues the criminal theme in `Juves', a fly-on-the-wall look at America's juvenile justice system and the journey three `troubled teens' make through it's harsh corridors.

Of course we seem to be obsessed by crime and this sort of subject matter makes for compelling viewing.

The three case studies under the microscope here are Sean, a gang member with a string of convictions including drug dealing and who, with his 18th birthday looming, will soon be being dealt with as an adult rather than a minor if he doesn't stay out of trouble; Anthony, who set fire to his parents' house; and Daniel, who attacked his mother while brandishing a knife and is subsequently charged with assault.

Actually this particular detention centre in North Carolina, where the three are interned awaiting trial, doesn't seem that harsh at all. Strict maybe, but wardens, social workers and a host of other staff at the centre seem reassuringly kind, helpful and very conscious of the fact that, while their charges may be criminals, they are first and foremost children.

The biggest threat to inmates seems to come from their peers, as the bruises on Daniel's body, which he nonchalantly shows to his mother during one prison visit, testify.

No film-maker can ever capture the true essence of a place or person, simply because people do not always act naturally when a camera is shoved in front of them. Did our three subjects change when the cameras were off? Who knows.

Nevertheless Garbus remains as unobtrusive as possible which is to her credit.

Even interviews with the three teens are presented more as monologues, with Garbus just feeding them each a line and then letting them do the talking.

But there is one negative side to her style in that I sometimes felt we weren't being given enough information.

While the film traces the paths of the three youngsters through the system, nicely tying up any loose ends at its conclusion, we are never really told why the three are facing their predicament in the first place.

All three appear to come from loving, well adjusted families and have a network of supporters who are only to willing to help. But the only ones who can really help these teens reverting to a life of crime are, of course, the teens themselves. Sadly it's a lesson not all of them learn.

GARETH FINIGHAN REVIEW REV MOVIES MPC