No spoilers in this first paragraph. The story is narrated by Tom, who as a young adult is played by Peter berg. But the story begins when he is a young boy, right before dad (Peter Coyote) pulls up stakes out East and moves the family to Washington state to begin a new career. We find out later that it wasn't that simple. After Tom grows up and goes off to school, the story picks up again when he comes back home. Older brother Charley (Vince D'Onofrio) seemed particularly restless, and wanted to leave home, but for some unspoken reason couldn't, saying "It isn't that simple." We suspect some deep, dark secret resides withing him. Juliette Lewis who was only 18 plays little sis Cassie. Jennifer Jason Leigh plays Marriet who becomes Tom's new girlfriend after he comes home. My wife and I found the story interesting and the acting good, but were both disappointed at the end. The movie brought many things to light, but with little back story to explain. In the end we were left more puzzled than satisfied.SPOILERS are in the remaining comments.Right before the family moves west we see Charley dancing with local pretty waitress Jennetta (Marg Helgenberger), then taking her outside. Young Tom (about 12 or so) sneaks around the corner to see them close, then brother Charley leaves in a huff. Tom goes to Jennetta to see what is wrong, she takes his head in her hands, and kisses him on the lips. Which he thought was great since he already had an infatuation with her. Then brother Charley comes back for him. Years later in Washington when the house burns down (we later find it was Charley as a way to leave), Tom is left a note with reference to a safe box, Charley had saved all dad's letters from Jennetta so they wouldn't burn, and wanted the two younger brothers to read them. Dad finds out, the boys go to burn the letters, embarrassed, the fire gets out of hand, younger brother Ask (Noah Wyle) chases down burning letters and gets run over, dies, later Charley comes home, the family is one big mess. In the end we see Tom and Marriet heading off to Berkely together. Dad had moved west years earlier as his only way to break off the affair with Jennetta. We never did find out why Charley felt he couldn't leave home.

When a young man, Tom (Peter Berg), comes home to visit his family, he finds that since he has left the Warrens have become majorly disfunctional as a result of his father's hidden infidelity. His father, Edward (Peter Coyote), refuses to deal with these problems, going into denial and pretending that everything is fine. His older brother Charley (Vincent D'Onofrio) attempts to get kicked out of the family by causing emotional trouble, becoming violent, and he finally beats up Tom in the end, to no avail; Tom realizes that Edward won't throw Charley out because that would be letting him win.This is the sort of dark little film which is original and wonderfully written but too subdued and depressing to ever gain wider acceptance. The tale of a family's descent into mutual distrust and self pity is not something most people would be willing to watch, regardless of the quality of the work.Good directorial work and writing here. The performances are also all solid, especially D'Onofrio as the aggressive sociopath son and Noah Wyle as his brother Ask, such a riveting performance from a young Wyle. Take the time to watch this at least once if you see it on the movie channels. It's too extreme for many people to relate to, but it does keep you entertained, and it has a good, realistic ending.

Writer/Director Michael Bortman brings us a movie which will be loved by everyone who feels that the number one thing you could ever do in your life is support your family. On the surface, that may not sound like such a bad thing. After all, everyone wants to be loved and supported by their family. However, "Crooked Hearts" goes WAY past that.The movie follows the ups and downs (mostly downs) of the Warren family. The members of this family are the type of people who would support their brother or son even if they were a convicted serial child molester. That's how obsessive and blinding their family structure is. I could never feel connected to any of the characters in this film because only one of them seemed like a nice person. To make things worse, the one nice guy is presented to us as being weak and childish.Almost everyone in the Warren family is dishonest and selfish. In fact, at one point in the movie, being an arsonist is presented to us as simply being a very minor character flaw. This pathetic situation spirals out of control until tragedy strikes the family in one of the absolute most manipulative scenes EVER put to film.The acting is quite good. That shouldn't surprise anyone who glances at the list of cast members. However, anyone who believes that taking responsibility for your actions is a positive trait will not enjoy this movie. Its "ethical" stance is completely at odds with anyone who believes you should be honest, thoughtful and stand up for what you believe in. 2/10

This would have to be one of my all-time favourite films!!! It's one of those brilliant little gems that get lost in the midst of all the over-hyped, formulaic things that Hollywood insists upon pumping out time after time. It is a story of a family torn apart by the indescression of one member. It is real & true & what people are willing to do to the ones they love. It is a must see for anyone sick of Hollywood hype. But be prepared to cry!!!