Although Crash came out in 2004 it won the 2006 Oscar. Since then, I guess, writers and directors have tried the 'tie the vignettes together' theme to 'make something good' approach. It rarely works, which is why Crash is so worthy of mention again. In TAiB four separate people in different areas of life (except they are all in LA of course - Jeez, there's originality) are brought together in painful ways. Will it have a happy ending (this IS Hollywood after all), and if so, for whom? The casting and acting are excellent, each protagonist takes their role and makes it truly his or her own. Even Garcia as the mob boss (now there's more originality) manages to bring a new light to the position. Brendan Fraser, (in)famous for his "Mummy" roles is truly outstanding as a brooding hit-man. Yet despite the great cast and potential of the story line, to me it seems too contrived. "I want to make a movie about..." is what it seems to say, rather than actually managing to do what Crash did - involve you with the characters. I was interested in the characters in TAiB, but could not feel for them. Kevin Bacon's story was shoe-horned in, too quick, not enough time to empathize, Forest Whitaker was doomed from scene 1, and Trista? Well, just being young and cute is not enough reason to feel for her. Worth watching, but NOT inspiring or particularly thought-provoking - unless you find the National Enquirer stimulating.
Review of The Air I Breathe
