Review of Crossing Over (2009) by Steve G — 18 Sep 2009

Basically Crash but about immigration instead of racism.

The multy stranded story contains very diverse characters, the best being Harrison Fords career weary immigration officer, whilst the most interesting story is that of the 'terrorist sympthiser' - getting a hell of an introduction, reading her paper about the 9/11 attack in front of a class baying for her blood. Possibly the most understated performance is from Cliff Curtis, particularly towards the end. His story to not great, but he gives it everything, his scene in the convenience store with the last Japanese gang member is his most powerful and emotional.

Ultimately, the best thing about Crossing Over is some of the characters. The plot - along with any point it may have been trying to make, other than Americia is unbelievably paranoid, but we knew that already - is lost amongst the multitude of stories. More often than not, dialogue of immigration issues seems clumisily shoehorned into the scene and seems out of place. It is a shame, and focusing on one or two stories and fleshing them out could have been far more effective with the talent on show.