Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Thin plot as an excuse for the best soundtrack I've heard
As a cinematic work, Crossroads is nothing special. Except for Joe Seneca who was great as the aging blues-legend on the run from the devil, the acting is awful. Ralph Macchio is decent, except that he's doing the EXACT same character he did in Karate Kid. The love interest between Eugene and Frances is silly, shallow and simply doesn't work. The screenplay, above all, is terrible. The directing and photography are good, which makes the film at least bearable. But the film is just an excuse for one of the most amazing soundtracks I've ever heard. Classical guitar, Robert Johnson classic blues, Muddy Waters electric blues and hard blues rock run throughout this film wonderfuly; for bluesmen and guitar lovers, Crossroads is a must. The ending with Steve Vai, above all, is one of the greatest scenes I've seen and makes the whole movie worthwile - and both Vai and 'Eugene' play a KILLER guitar (I think Stevie Ray Vaughan plays Eugene's part). Overall, a very mediocre movie and for many probably boring, but a cult classic and a musical masterpiece.
Rating:  - Bring on the BLUES
This is the first (and so far, ONLY) movie to successfully profile the history of Blues music, as well as the legend of Robert Johnson and his deal with the devil. The story has several underlying plots, including coming of age, facing hard times, and redemption.While Ralph Macchio shows some slight mechanical flaws, he can (for the most part) successfully pull off guitar-playing abilities. Joe Senaca is great as an elderly Willie Brown, trying to deal with his own demons (although one can't help compare the character to Miyagi, given Macchio's presence). The number one reason for watching this film, above anything else, is the music. It's Ry Cooder's guitar playing and the delta-blues soundtrack that makes this movie, even when the plot itself seems a bit slowed. All in all, this is a GREAT movie!
Rating: - CrossRoads
I have purchased the VHS version of the movie CrossRoads, however, it would be a much better value if it were released in DVD. After the music is placed into the digital format, the sound track would make this movie invaluable for any music lover. Forget about the actors and their acting and concentrate on the storyline and the music. You will be totally satisfied.
|
