Review of Crossing Over (1983) by Kyle E — 24 May 2009

Problematic and cliche', "Crossing Over" succumbs to the biggest problem with this kind of film: too many stories are going on in this movie. There are about six different storyline in this film, and two of them are just completely pointless and unnecessary. The plot with Jim Sturgess is just not needed, and I found myself questioning why he was in the film or what the hell the purpose of his story was to the over all theme of this movie. Then we have the story of Ray Liotta and Alice Eve, which was just unnecessary. I'm not saying that either of them are bad actors, but that whole plot line of him using her for sex so she could get a green card, just stupid. While I'm sure stuff like that happens in the real world, it's just something I didn't care to see on film.

But then there are two very good stories here. The first one involves Harrison Ford as an Immigration agent whom is troubled and is trying to find solace through what he does. In a very racist line of work, he seems to be the only sane one. Then we have the other plot with Ashley Judd and the Muslim family. While I found this plot to be interesting, I still have to say that if that Muslim girl were to get up in real life and say half of what she said in this movie, then yes the feds are going to be called in.

It's not terrible, but there are just too many movies that do this better (the whole five stories going on that all interconnect, hence the name "Crossing Over") but here it just doesn't work too well. If you're a fan of any of the actors here, it's worth a watch, but don't put it high on your list of must see films.