"An almost-on-the-money movie, betrayed by poor editing and a few plot flaws, Straight Time nonetheless is fascinating and truthful in a way seldom evoked in movies or anywhere else in the arts. (Dustin) Hoffman is a semi-sleazy, weaselly little guy released after six years in prison. He's a lifetime criminal, a petty thief who ends up a killer, but a guy who does not have a clue as to how one survives in the straight world. Straight life holds no excitement, no thrills. On the street he teams up with old pals who are equally bored by jobs: Harry Dean Stanton can't stand being a small success as a businessman with a backyard pool in the suburbs; Gary Busey has to mainline heroin to keep from blowing his top while he struggles to work nine-to-five to support his wife and kid. These guys need action, and sometimes anything will do. In Hoffman's case...he needs to get caught, too...It's difficult to watch someone you can't really completely dislike...mess up on purpose and take everyone around him down too...(A) powerful and disturbing little film, certainly noir enough for anyone." --Barry Gifford