Search - Crooked Hearts on DVD

Forgiveness: GOOD! Personal responsibility: BAD!

Brett Johnson | 01/07/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Worth Watching

M. Smolkovich | Nashville | 12/25/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Good ensemble film, even ok if you hate family films

M. Smolkovich | 04/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

A good family movie-must see on holidays.

S. E. York | 01/15/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."