Customer Reviews

Crooked Hearts [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

As usual, movies like this are pleasant surprizes. The plot really didn't make much sense, as the whole "we are family no matter what" theme never really gelled. What makes this movie a keeper is the feast for the eyes of Vincent D'Onofrio, the feast of the heart-strings of Noah Wylie and the charm of Juliette Lewis. I am forever amazed at the talent of Mr. D'Onofrio, as I only knew him from Law & Order Criminal Intent. Now I keep coming across gems he's made, and each character is different and facinating. Kudos to a real actor!

The cast features up-and-comers who have up-and-come, like Peter Berg (here Pete Berg), Noah Wyle, Joshua Jackson, and more. It also has Jennifer Jason Leigh doing her usual fine job with a limited part, considering she's second billing in the film. My favorite line is JJL's to Peter Berg (her boyfriend as the film unfolds) when he talks about how weird his family is. She replies "unlike you, I'm not intolerant of weird." Worth seeing, especially for JJL fans.

All the pieces come together in this film of complex intra- and interpersonal relationships. The story line, character development, directing, sets, and most of all acting are well balanced and of high quality so the mind is not pre-occupied with "what is wrong with this picture" thinking. Instead, the viewer can enjoy and engage with the film. "Crooked Hearts" is complex enough that subsequent viewings reveal new dimensions, so the investment in purchasing the DVD is a good value.

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.

The film stars familiar faces like Joshua Jackson in Dawson's Creek, Noah Wylie from ER, Pete Berg from Chicago Hope, Vincent D'Onofrio from Men in Black, et.al. Convincing performance of Peter Coyote. One feels compassionate with Noah's character. Pete Berg was believable. Vincent was the villain-kinda hated him. The rest - good casting ensemble.

This is the first time I saw Vincent D'Onofrio years ago and I became a fan. This is just one of many of his films I have added to my collection. It's also filled with many actors that have gone far in film and T.V.

I blame the dad. It is his fault for all of the pain and lost the family went threw. If he wasn't having a secret romance with Janetta then his oldest son wouldn't have found out and have so much hate tours his dad. His oldest son wouldn't have burned their house down. His youngest son wouldn't have been hit by a car and died. Because he was trying to burn the love letters between his father and Janetta. This is a sad story about a family going threw so much pain all because of the fathers secret life.

I just didn't get this one. I needed a lot more to go on. The characters were all over the place. I needed more of an explanation, other than the obvious, for all the rage. Good cast, though.

I am a big fan of Vincent D'Onofrio. I enjoyed this movie not only because VDO was in it, but it was a story that could be famiiar with many families. The fact that the everyone in the family had secrets that they did not share with other family members. I believe that is representative of most families. Maybe, just not to that extreme.

the one who wrote that this was the most dysfunctional family probably hasn't looked around much.. this was a GREAT movie... sure it was dysfunction times ten, but whose family isn't.. loved the movie... Great acting, great characters.. Vincent D'Onofrio was GREAT! as usual he took his character over the edge!