Not equal to the sum of its parts

Rating: 4/10 (24 May 2005)

This well-meaning collection of episodes depicting racial unrest in Los Angeles contains some powerful scenes, but ultimately comes off as pretentious and pointless. Bahar Soomekh as the compassionate daughter of an overwrought Persian shopkeeper and Michael Pena as a put-upon locksmith are the undeniable standouts in the cast, while more famous names like Sandra Bullock, Brendan Fraser and Don Cheadle flounder about in unconvincing characterizations.
There are enough memorable moments to walk away from "Crash" with respect for its good intentions, but its melodramatic script's reliance on outrageous coincidences and lack of a clear sense of anything specific to say about race relations leaves it cracked up on the cinematic shoulder instead of racing triumphantly to the finish line.