Review of Crossing Over (2009) by Claus M — 01 Apr 2010

I wasn't expecting another Crash from Crossing Over, and I didn't get another Crash. Crossing Over follows a number of people and their troubles with immigration issues. Harrison Fird headlines, with Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd among the supporting cast.

Ford is an ICE officer named Brogan, whose partner (Cliff Curtis), an Arabic guy whose sister (Alice Braga) works at a printing shop that makes fake Green Cards, ID's, and the like. Claire (Alice Eve) is discovered having a couple of these things by Ray Liotta's character, who cons her into having an affair with him. Ashley Judd plays Liotta's wife, who is trying her best to solve an issue involing a Muslim girl supposedly sympathizing with those who caused 9/11. Meanwhile, Jim Sturgess successfully does nothing as a Jewish atheist.

Confused? Don't be. The story is fairly simple to follow. The only fault I have is with Jim Sturgess, who is for the most part unconnected with any of the other characters. The acting is very good, Harrison Ford reminded me of John Hartigan (of Sin City). Cliff Curtis gave a great performance too, I don't understand why he isn't on the A-List yet. Ray Liotta gives a scummy performance, as a total creep. Ashley Judd is good too.

If you're looking for the successor to Crash, Crossing Over isn't it. But if you're up for a pretty good film that discusses an issue that never tires, I'd recommend this.