Missed the Mark

Rating: 6/10 (4 July 2005)

Crash is gripping and well-acted but lacks the key ingredients which might have made it a great film. Crash introduces us to nine or ten protagonists within the various Los Angeles socioeconomic strata whose lives are inextricably and fatefully woven. Unfortunately, nine or ten proves too many and no single character develops beyond embryonic.
Crash also lacks credibility. Almost all of the characters are overtly and verbally racist. This film would have made much more sense if it had been released in the eighties when racial tensions were more elevated. (Think Spike Lee's "Do the Right Thing" or, if you're a reader, "Bonfire of the Vanities").
All-in-all, Crash is a good entertainment value. Very good performances by Matt Dillon, Don Cheadle and Thandie Newton. Unfortunately, they're only served in sample-size.