Though I like the cast in Crossing Over, I don't have much intention on seeing this film. No matter how good the story is, or whether it is played in a local theater, I tend to stick to films that at least off some sort of escape; unless of course the given film is a documentary. Reminding me of immigration woes is not my idea of a good time, no matter how the topic is presented.
Crossing Over Reviewed
With the film's structure and storyline, it is easy to compare it to Crash. Variety does just that in their early report, but do mention that Crossing Over should NOT be compared to Crash, so what I just say? Read on...
You can feel the characters being moved around like pieces on a chessboard in "Crossing Over," an overweeningly deterministic mosaic of U.S. immigration case studies. Unlike "Crash," to which it invites comparisons due to its identical structure, Los Angeles setting and similar socially conscious intent, Wayne Kramer's film at least remains cognizant of why people want to come to the United States in the first place, and more plausibly blends positive and negative events. However, the way the picture dwells almost exclusively on cinematically exploitable elements -- gangbanger crime, prostitution, honor killing, terrorism paranoia -- gives it a sordid patina that even the classy, able thesps can't offset. Harrison Ford's presence atop the ensemble cast should boost this Weinstein Co. release to a decent opening, but longer-term prospects are modest.
Check out the full review for Crossing Over at Variety.
Crossing Over is out in theaters (limited release) now.
Crossing Over 
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