Directed by Allison Anders ("Gas Food Lodging") . . .the resulting mosaic is nonetheless powerful and sobering.

Scarcely represents a convincing, satisfying treatment of the intriguing subject matter.

Anders mixes real gang members with up-and-coming Latin American actresses, but this ploy fails to lend the film authenticity or vitality. The tone seems, to put it kindly, misguidedly romantic.

You may feel guilty about laughing, but you'll still laugh.