|
| Crossroads
Description: Three girls and a boy travel to Los Angeles making music, finding love and friendship
Year: 2002
Classification: Drama/Romance
Directed:
- Tamra Davis
Actors/Actresses:
- Britney Spears as Lucy
- Anson Mount as Ben
- Zoe Saldana as Kit
- Taryn Manning as Mimi
- Kim Cattrall as Caroline
CROSSROADS.
I'm not a little teenybopper and after seeing CROSSROADS, I found that I actually enjoyed it! I was entertained thoroughly seeing this movie. I think most of these negative reviews are coming from anti-Britney fans who didn't even bother to see the film and are just saying that Britney Spears is a terrible actress, which she is not. CROSSROADS is a film about friendship, hope, loyality, and "finding yourself". In CROSSROADS, we meet Lucy (Britney Spears), Kit (Zoe Saldana - CENTER STAGE), Mimi (Taryn Manning - CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL), and Ben (Anson Mount - newcomer). Lucy, Kit, and Mimi were childhood best friends, but in high school, grew apart from each other and went their own separate ways. Lucy is the smart, valedictorian. Kit is the popular girl. And Mimi is known as the bad, trashy girl. After graduation, Lucy, Kit, and Mimi get back together and decide to go on a road trip to California. Lucy wants to find her mother (she lives with her very overprotected father, played by Dan Aykroyd), who lives in Arizona. Kit wants to become a singer. And Mimi wants to see her fiance, who also got her pregnant. On the way, they meet mysterious Ben, whom Lucy falls in love with, and he comes along for the ride. Yes, there is teen drinking and some swearing in the film, and even a little love scene (they really only take off their shirts in that scene) and a few kisses. But basically that's it. It's not as bad as it seems. Plus, if you're really worried about your children seeing this, they rated it PG-13 to be on the safe side. Even the script is okay, because the characters in this film are not perfect people leading perfect lives--they all have different problems that they have to resolve by the end of the movie. And let's face it: we are going to have to deal with teen pregnancy, teen drinking and doing drugs, but I don't think CROSSROADS encourages any of it. And, I personally think Britney Spears is a great actress, singer, dancer, and role model. She doesn't give up on her dreams even though she knows there are tons of people out there always making remarks about her and dissing her and everything. That's why I think Britney's a great role model...not because of her clothes or the way she looks. You may disagree with me but this is just my opinion. Also, another thing: don't ever listen to professional critics because they always bash teen movies--just look at what they did to Mandy Moore's A WALK TO REMEMBER and Mariah Carey's GLITTER--and I thought those were both excellent movies, too! So my whole point is, go see CROSSROADS. You don't need to be a Britney fan to enjoy this movie. I am not the hugest Britney fan, but I do appreciate her, respect her as a person, and I like her music. I can't wait for the DVD of CROSSROADS--I hope there will be some great special bonus features! See CROSSROADS and you won't be disappointed.
Good movie, good cast
While "Crossroads" won't win any awards (except for, possibly, an MTV Movie Award, in which Britney is nominated twice), it surpisingly doesn't follow the basic formula played out by other teen road-trip films.
For instance, instead of being completely light and fluffy, there are dark undertones, dealing with pregnancy, abortion, virginity, and rape.
As for Britney's performance, she isn't a terrible actress like most critics have pegged her. Even though she isn't Julia Roberts, Britney does do excellently with what she's given.
Her costars - Zoe Saldana, Taryn Manning, Dan Akroyd, Kim Cattrall, and Anson Mount - also pour their all into their characters. The direction by Tamra Davis is well done, as is the non-stereotypical script.
While a few of the plot points annoyed me (such as Britney's hit single "I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet a Woman" being turned into a poem), there are plenty more enjoyable moments, including the "I Love Rock 'N' Roll" piece in the bar.
In conclusion, don't believe a scathing word the critics have thrown at this movie! Go see it, and you'll be pleasantly surprised!
A Fantastic GIRL MOVIE!!!
For all the Britney haters out there, eat your heart out. Her movie is great! The whole cast is brilliant! Britney did an astounding job for her first outing. I don't care about the people who hates her guts, but please, I admit, she performed way better than Mariah! Zoe Saldana and Taryn Manning did a good job "supporting" Britney (that's a joke). The emotional scenes were really heart-wrenching, especially Britney's heartfelt breakdown in the comfort room with Anson Mount. And all the laughing and joke scenes showed how the three girls are really being girls and just having fun.
But the film is not completely flawless, mind you. I was dissatisfied with the audition performance of Britney, which looked like she was "lip-synching" the song. She should've performed it live (or they should have better dubbing!). I was also disappointed with the "cameo" appearance of Kim Catrall. The movie didn't show her exactly why did she leave poor Britney. The movie just let Britney do all the talking and we're supposed to understand it. Justin Long's character was funny but really not important. And Dan Akroyd was so underacting!
The story was simple and straightforward. It tackles all issues affecting all teens and I was surprised that I related to the story! Tamra Davis played it safe with this one, especially with Britney on her back.
My advice, watch this movie with your girlfriends, because this might be the best girl movie I have seen for the past 2 years. Bring a lot of munchies and a little hanky because scenes might make you teary-eyed (i know i did!). that's all.
By the way, I'm a guy!(hehe)
Buy Crossroads at Amazon.com
Buy posters at Allposters.com
Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone! | |
|
