Television Reviews : Teen Sculptor’s Trials Portrayed in ‘Runaway’

In “Runaway,” a friend’s death, a ruthless gang and an abusive guardian lead a 13-year-old boy to join the homeless, perilously surviving in a New York subway. (It airs on “Wonderworks” tonight at 7 on Channels 28 and 50 and at 8 on Channel 15.)

Aremis Slake (Gavin Allen), “dumped” by his mother, is living with his bitter aunt, Anna Mae (Hattie Winston). His only comfort is art and his time with Joseph (Kevin Artis), a retarded boy who lives at a neighborhood center run by sympathetic Miss Hartley (Kim Staunton).

The boys roam the streets and subways, trying to avoid the gangs, collecting junk to use in Aremis’ sculptures.

When Joseph is killed running to Aremis’ aid as he’s being attacked by a youth gang, Aremis feels responsible. Feeling bereft now of anyone who cares, he miserably descends into a New York subway where he wants to “keep fadin’, fadin’, till I just disappear.”

Luckily, a kind-hearted waitress (Jasmine Guy, the Southern belle of NBC’s “A Different World”) and a disabled Vietnam vet street artist (Charles Dutton) take an interest.

The cast is fine and director Gilbert Moses has a sensitive touch. Based on Felice Holman’s novel “Slakes Limbo,” the screenplay by Delle Chatman and Lonne Elder III is thoughtful and moving--until the weak wrap-up.

Suddenly, a contrite Anne Mae is embracing Aremis and pledging to do better. Since viewers were not included in her evolution from abusive shrew to loving aunt, the film’s impact quickly fades.