car crash commentary.

Rating: 7/10 (2 October 2005)

Crash is the clever kid in your class. It rises above the usual Hollywood drivel by dealing with some tricky subjects in an intelligent way. It looks good, has a good strong cast and has beautiful music for 99% of the film. On the other hand it is slightly contrived and the plots twists are easily recognisable, there is a terrible bit at a murder scene and the film plays out with the stereophonics (wtf?) But these are not good enough reasons to not see this film they just let it down slightly. Overall the piece deals with racism in a way no mainstream movie has in our new climate of the terror of skin colour (be it terrorist or carjackers) it has a strong script that is brilliantly played out by actors such as Cheadle, Dillon, Bullock and Newton. Some of the scenes involving race issues are cringe worthy but ultimately rewarding. Crash plays out a little bit like magnolia but without the quirkiness and singing. It is a one of those films that critics hail as absolutely brilliant like last years sideways. Both films are good but not brilliant. I think what happens is when so many films arrive that are average and then one comes along that is slightly above that people get carried away. Don't let me put you off please go and see crash it is one of the better films you will see this year. A mainstream movie with a conscience and a heart.