Interesting, unique film

Rating: 7/10 (23 May 2006)

When all the hype revolving around "Crash" finally settled down, I thought it best if I finally rent the DVD to see for myself what this award-winning film is about. A lot of people had said it was very good, and being set in a post-9/11 environment intrigued me. However, while it was a very, very good film, it didn't quite grab me. I understand that it was probably supposed to leave a strange cold-feeling inside you after watching it, but I guess I just wasn't prepared for it.
"Crash" is intense to say the least, and I'm not talking about the large cast and multiple story lines running alongside each other, but the overall narrative of the film is at times hard to take in at times. It definitely helps watching this if you know a bit about why various races do not like each other for whatever reasons they have. The content of the film is filled with offensive language, drug use, violence of almost every sort imaginable, and so on, and at times, makes for a very sad and depressing film.
That is lifted however thanks to the outstanding cast. Matt Dillon, Sandra Bullock, Thandie Newton, Don Cheadle, Ryan Phillippe, Jennifer Espsito, Ludicrous, Brendan Fraser, Michael Pena and Terrance Howard are all stand out in their leading roles, but in particular Dillon, Phillippe, Newton and Pena. The spectacular Nona Gaye has a small role as the assistant to Brendan Fraser's character, Loretta Devine is as usual great in her small role, Daniel Dae Kim and Tony Danza make small appearances, as does the graceful Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi from "Star Trek: The Next Generation), and although the character she played seemed far too old for her, it is great to see Sirtis acting still, and that she hasn't lost any of her compassion.
Overall, a interesting, unique film, that (I'll admit) at times was lost on me, but it makes for a very thought-provoking film and the cast are all terrific.