Dois Lados de um Crime

This was another one of those films that showed up on Sky Movies Premiere and I recorded it expecting to delete it after about 20 minutes, which is what usually happens if it's a film I've not heard of before. But A Crooked Somebody was one of the 5% that I managed to watch all the way through.

What this film has going for it is its unpredictability. It frequently surprised me, often not going the way I expected, taking a left turn instead of a right. It's rare to find a film like that these days because everything seems to be dumbed down for people who can't handle anything that doesn't stick to a formula.

The lead actor was someone I hadn't seen before and at first I was a little put off, thinking he wouldn't be able to carry the film, but he does. In fact he really grew on me as the film went on. All of the performances in this film are good, and there's even an appearance from Daniel Larusso's mom and the girl from Sex Drive (who I've never seen in anything else, but she's good in this too).

The plot in a nutshell sees a dodgy psychic, Michael Vaughn get caught up in an absurd Ben Stiller style comedy, although there's no slapstick humour here, it's a dark thriller, but Vaughn repeatedly makes bad decisions and tells lies that lead to more lies. His female sidekick acts as his conscience, which helps to make it believable when he discusses his plans with her, listens to her advice and then usually ignores it, leaving you shaking your head. The whole thing escalates quite magniificently without ever taking a mis-step that leaves you rolling your eyes. The script is solid and I found myself really rooting for Vaughn even though he's a weasel.

The only negatives I can come up with are that on a couple of occasions the film dragged for a few minutes, but fortunately it always recovered. And although I couldn't predict how it was going to end, I found the ending a little disappointing. It tied everything up perfectly, but because of how the film had gone up to that point I was hoping for something a little more original. But those minor gripes aside, this film is a breath of fresh air and worth your time, in my opinion.

Although let's keep God out of it. It is more a spiritual journey ... or a crooked one as the title suggests. You may know the lead actor from Mad Men, but even if you don't his seemless nature and his acting are impeccable in the movie. As is Clifton Collins and the others who are in this (always nice seeing Ed Harris, even if it is just in a small role).

The story itself would have given material for more. Saying that, it doesn't mean that the movie we get is bad. I just feel there was potential for more. Especially with the tagged on twist towards the end. But it is what it is ... and it's a neat thriller/drama with great performances overall

Loved that line.

This film is about Michael Vaughan, a self-proclaimed psychic, who is searching for fame and fortune. He, in reality, has no ability but he has picked up a few tricks that help bolster his ruse with the desperate people who are hoping to reach their loved ones through the abilities he claims to have. He finds himself in a sticky situation when he is kidnapped by a man who struggles with guilt stemming from a girl being left an orphan after he killed her father. When Michael learns the identity of the girl, he realizes that case had been one that garnered nationwide coverage many years ago. He thinks he can use this situation to help himself reach fame and fortune and begins manipulating the situation. However, his father has tried to warn him that it is better to be a straight nobody than a crooked somebody.

I liked this film. It was decent as far a lower budgeted films go. The story was interesting and the actors did a good job with their characters. It would've probably been much better had there been more depth to the story. I'm glad I came across it.

This is how a thriller should be written.

Although it has the look and feel of a tv movie; even the sound effects, music and feel were all very 1970/80's don't let that put you off, it is so much more.

For once we have a good story and clever writing throwing morals and honesty at every turn to make the viewer think, superb acting from virtually every character, involving and intriguing story that keeps you guessing and wanting more and the finale was for once not a let down and a joy to behold.

Even the title music at the end topped the film off for me - Reminiscent of an old Jim Reeves tune. The whole movie was crafted to play out like a TV murder mystery you used to watch on a Saturday night but with a lot of aplomb, polish and craft.

Well, a nice film this was, with every aspect of the black comedy genre in it. the acting are good,so are the filming and locations. haVe n mind that youll need to use your fantasy to absorbe the core of this feature.psycic powers are the keyword ,also murder,kidnapping and extortion. there are no glamour or extravagancy in this flick,just good old and plain acting,with a nice script and editing.