Crooked Arrows Movie Review

'Crooked Arrows' Shockya.com Movie Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Director: Steve Rash Starring: Brandon Routh (‘Superman Returns’), Gil Birmingham (‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1′) and Crystal Allen (‘Anacondas III’) Football, baseball and basketball are all popular sports in the United States that unite players and fans alike, but one sport that has been played across America for thousands of years that hasn’t received as much recognition is lacrosse. The new drama ‘Crooked Arrows’ aims to bring lacrosse and Native Americans, neither of which have received tremendous attention in films, to the attention of sports fans and people looking for diversity in movies alike. Despite some common sports film cliches, the movie proves that Native Americans deserve more attention in the sports and film industries. ‘Crooked Arrows’ follows mixed-blood Native American Joe Logan (played by Brandon Routh), who is looking to modernize his reservation’s casino by expanding on the land of his ancestors. In order to be given the land from the tribal council, Joe must prove himself to his traditionalist father Ben (portrayed by Gil Birmingham), who is also the Tribal Chairman. He will only grant his son’s request on the condition that he coaches the high school’s struggling high school lacrosse team, which competes against the better trained players of the Prep School league. Joe reluctantly accepts his father’s condition in order to save his job. But he soon realizes the challenge will require him to become a true leader, much like he was when he was a star lacrosse player himself in high school. With the help of his sister, Nadie (played by Chelsea Ricketts), who is on the team; his high school girlfriend, Julie Gifford (portrayed by Crystal Allen), who is now a teacher at the school; and his grandmother, Joe helps restore pride to the team. ‘Crooked Arrows’ deserves credit for focusing on the teamwork and plays needed to succeed in lacrosse, as opposed to more mainstream American sports. Unfortunately, despite the good intentions of screenwriters Brad Riddell and Todd Baird, the two created a cliched coach who doesn’t initially care about the team, and only sees training the athletes as a means to get what he wants. Joe was a respected player himself in high school, but no longer appreciates the game; he is resentful that his father ordered him to work with the team, just to be given the land for the casino. To continue reading this review, please click here.