From the description, here at IMDB, I was skeptical about whether-or-not I would like Criss Cross. I am a fan of Goldie Hawn's work, but I felt that the choice of cocaine in the film was a bit sensational and unrealistic, since this took place in 1969. I think it is safe to say that in most drug circles, cocaine did not become popular until the 1980's. Only high-rollers used it in the 1970's, as far as I know (I was there).
I also had a problem, after having-read just the movie description, with the boy's morality and philosophy being challenged by the sight of a naked person. I thought it a bit arrogant, but in the pertinent scenes, the screenplay and script are intelligent and intuitive.
I was rewarded by giving this movie a chance. The script was very good (especially the inner dialogue of Chris). I really appreciated hearing his thoughts as he thought them. This should be done more in movies. It really aids the character development, and his thoughts and feelings were very well-written.
His and his mother's feelings, words and actions were very understandable and human. The scene at the hotel room, when Chris confronts his mom over her line-of-work, is very approachable and warm. She tells him that she isn't capable of doing anything else, that she does not enjoy her job and that she is trying her best. This is not sensationalism: It is realism.
Perhaps the most human part of the film was the character of Chris' father, who, having been traumatized by his own actions in wartime, afterward sought and continued to seek his soul, at great expense to him and his family.
While I don't fully understand why the police found it necessary to go undercover to find out about Chris, instead of focusing on those in the boat anchored off-shore, I will not detract stars for this question-mark.
In all, Criss Cross does not dis-appoint, and should be enjoyed by all, especially those who have had to make tough choices in keeping their family together.
It also serves as a warning to those who might be tempted by a "fast buck" in attempting to do so.
I also had a problem, after having-read just the movie description, with the boy's morality and philosophy being challenged by the sight of a naked person. I thought it a bit arrogant, but in the pertinent scenes, the screenplay and script are intelligent and intuitive.
I was rewarded by giving this movie a chance. The script was very good (especially the inner dialogue of Chris). I really appreciated hearing his thoughts as he thought them. This should be done more in movies. It really aids the character development, and his thoughts and feelings were very well-written.
His and his mother's feelings, words and actions were very understandable and human. The scene at the hotel room, when Chris confronts his mom over her line-of-work, is very approachable and warm. She tells him that she isn't capable of doing anything else, that she does not enjoy her job and that she is trying her best. This is not sensationalism: It is realism.
Perhaps the most human part of the film was the character of Chris' father, who, having been traumatized by his own actions in wartime, afterward sought and continued to seek his soul, at great expense to him and his family.
While I don't fully understand why the police found it necessary to go undercover to find out about Chris, instead of focusing on those in the boat anchored off-shore, I will not detract stars for this question-mark.
In all, Criss Cross does not dis-appoint, and should be enjoyed by all, especially those who have had to make tough choices in keeping their family together.
It also serves as a warning to those who might be tempted by a "fast buck" in attempting to do so.