Nearly half way through the film "LA. Crash" misses ideas and new themes to carry itself another hour. In general, I think the idea of making a movie about race relationships and the effect on society is interesting and the movie always knows what it should be. Straightforward with much intensity and good drama and even some "punch-in-the-gut-moments". What pushes the movie for me is the fact that it willingly takes a straight up evil and bad man, and allows him to be human. Not that many movies have done that or can do that. The story is non linear and follows many storylines and characters to in the end culminate all these stories. In that regard, it feels pretty similar to "Pulp Fiction" (1994), just not that funny, not that violent, not that unique and not that well-acted and directed. But, comparing a movie with Pulp Fiction is never good for the movie itself. What ultimately prevents the movie of being more than "solid" is that the storylines are obvious, although often well-intentioned, the ambition is just too much to make it unpredictable or even exciting. The acting is good but because of the big ensemble and therefore little screen time, no character can really shine that much or put on a memorable performance. Maybe it is just because I have seen too many Crime/Drama flicks, that this one just didn't fully connect with me and frankly comparing "LA. Crash" to movies like "The Godfather" (1972) or "GoodFellas" (1990) would be a comprehensive stretch. 6/10

The definitive treatise on racism. Illustrates that racism is an endemic disease of institutions and systems, symptomatic of an entrenched culture versus an emergent culture, rather than one on one relationships (except for stranger with stranger encounters). Illustrates also the seduction of individuals into the cultural pressure or "dark side" of a cultural norm or culturally acceptable bad behavior.

I don't think this film is a 10/10 best picture academy award winning movie, I do think it's a good movie that deserves praise for what it does right, but I think best picture is giving it a little too much than it deserves. The cast does a wonderful job with their performances. Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Brendan Fraser, Michael Pena, ludicrous, Ryan Philippe, Thandie Newton, and Matt Dillon all give very deep powerful performances. Acting is what this film really gets right, it's the best thing about the movie in my opinion. This is one of those movies where it takes many different kinds of characters from completely different backgrounds and intertwines their story lines and it asks the audience to ask some pretty serious questions about heavy issues that face our society and country. The script is well written and there are only a few parts in the middle of the movie where I felt like it dragged a bit. The acting really is what keeps the audience watching, the performances are just so well done and raw. There are some scenes that really do touch you in that special way and that's good because it's meant to stir feelings. There are a couple of African American male characters at the beginning and the one played by ludicrous is talking about racial profiling and discrimination and then they do something that is completely stupid and self destructive and truthfully embarrassing for the African American community. So that kinda ticked me off, and then you have a white rich couple who lets just say aren't the nicest people ever, even though you do come to sympathize with the woman (Sandra Bullock). And you have other characters that face Islamaphobia, racial stereotyping, and family issues. The movie for the most part does a good job with dealing with these tough issues. I wanted the film to be a little more shaking and remarkable than it was. It was shaking in a lot of ways, but I personally just don't feel like this one was best picture material. Maybe a nominee, but not a winner. 7/10.

During this time of Black History Month, racial injustice and discrimination has been much talked about when reflecting back on the Civil Rights Movement. For 'Crash' on the other hand, this is a movie that didn't focus on one race or ethnicity that was harshly ridiculed or even having to suffer at the hands of others who think they are of a higher class. No, instead it was about how racial tension is still out there even in modern times, especially during the aftermath of September 11th still reverberating heavily on some individuals of other ethnic backgrounds at the time.The ensemble cast that features Brendan Fraser, Terrance Howard, Michael Pena, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, and Ryan Philippe provided a point of view of how each of their characters' lives crossed paths in daily life of Los Angeles. While having to deal with racial stereotypes in either the workplace or even out on some of LA's derelict streets, it becomes clear they would do anything to persevere in their own lives no matter what the consequences may be.I found it intriguing that director Paul Haggis (Walker Texas Ranger) wanted us to view the scope of L.A.'s imperfections since he himself stated that one of his inspirations for the movie was a night when he was carjacked in those streets. Upon watching this with a group of colleagues, what I saw in the violence, anger, and hatred; it was all clouded with prejudicial misunderstandings and uncertainty, whether shocking or saddening. When confronted in a harsh scenario, the character would begin to view the context of it differently and thus leading to misconceptions. I was left fascinated that the bigotry and egotistical nature of some of these people were explored in public, when really they can be quite the contrary when in the comfort of their own homes or in the company of family or friends.I'm aware of the debate and controversy that surrounded the Oscars when this won Best Picture back in 2005, but with its tense situations, I can see why it received its many accolades. It's not at all perfect, nor would I say this is a spectacular movie, but compelling enough for me and my colleagues to discuss the issues with one another.The moral: While our paths may cross with one another and not all of them may get off to a good start at first (especially involving who we are or what their lives are like), there's a clear thought of what really matters and that depends on how you see it.