Cuori incrociati

I was (pleasantly) surprised how this movie slowly and surely grew on me as I was viewing it. I also was thinking that "this has got to be Canadian; it has that edge." Once I saw the credits, it surely was.

Writer/Director Michael Bortman brings us a movie which will be loved by everyone who feels that the number one thing you could ever do in your life is support your family. On the surface, that may not sound like such a bad thing. After all, everyone wants to be loved and supported by their family. However, "Crooked Hearts" goes WAY past that.

The movie follows the ups and downs (mostly downs) of the Warren family. The members of this family are the type of people who would support their brother or son even if they were a convicted serial child molester. That's how obsessive and blinding their family structure is. I could never feel connected to any of the characters in this film because only one of them seemed like a nice person. To make things worse, the one nice guy is presented to us as being weak and childish.

Almost everyone in the Warren family is dishonest and selfish. In fact, at one point in the movie, being an arsonist is presented to us as simply being a very minor character flaw. This pathetic situation spirals out of control until tragedy strikes the family in one of the absolute most manipulative scenes EVER put to film.

The acting is quite good. That shouldn't surprise anyone who glances at the list of cast members. However, anyone who believes that taking responsibility for your actions is a positive trait will not enjoy this movie. Its "ethical" stance is completely at odds with anyone who believes you should be honest, thoughtful and stand up for what you believe in. 2/10

I saw this film recently on cable and found it almost Shakespearean in its depiction of family trouble: fundamental character flaws or weaknesses leading to tragedy, pride keeping the truth from being known when it would be better to bring things out in the open, old secrets coming back to wreak havoc.

It's not always an easy film to watch, because you want to stop certain things from happening. But every character is multi-dimensional and real, and - as in Shakespeare - there is humor in the story and hope for recovery and redemption in the end. I cared about these people and their situation.

Slow going at times, but give it a chance - it lingers.

How to parents name their child Ask? The female roles are weak. Vincent Do nofrio has always been an actor that's a bit off. In some of his movies you wonder what you will get. From his dark portrail of a newly minted soldier in basic training, to this movie where he seems normal, then to his later movies where that dark person returns. This show reminds me of one of my favorite shows Crash, from 2004. You have to watch it a few times to understand the different movies within the movie. I liked the movie. I saved it and will watch again and again.

This would have to be one of my all-time favourite films!!! It's one of those brilliant little gems that get lost in the midst of all the over-hyped, formulaic things that Hollywood insists upon pumping out time after time. It is a story of a family torn apart by the indescression of one member. It is real & true & what people are willing to do to the ones they love. It is a must see for anyone sick of Hollywood hype. But be prepared to cry!!!