We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something.

While reading critic James Berardinelli’s review of the 2004 film, Crash, not many of his personal feelings were revealed while reflecting upon Paul Haggis’ drama filled film. Though, at the same time, I was led to believe that his response to the film was a constructive one. In the following excerpt from Berardinelli's review, he identifies the way in which the story is told, and how the director could have taken an alternative route but instead did it another way;

"We don't feel like we're being preached to, nor does this seem like a sanctimonious 'message movie.'"…”At first, there's a sense that so much contrivance invites criticism. However, on a second viewing, I was aware of the balance and symmetry in the way the characters' tales connect, sometimes only tangentially.”

His first response was to criticize, but as he assessed the movie the reason for the plot became more evident to why it was a certain way. It was a well thought out plot that had reason as to why the plot lines were crissing and crossing the entire extent of the film. Berardinelli also goes on to compliment the choice of casting in this film. He makes it evident that the cast chosen was in his favor and that those a part of the cast were some of very few who could have done each role.

"The director has assembled a large, accomplished cast that includes Matt Dillon, Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Thandie Newton, and Ryan Phillippe. Amongst other things, this group virtually assures that the film will be seen. All are more than competent in their roles - with Cheadle, Dillon, and Newton being especially memorable - and each does his or her best to enhance the two-dimensionality of the characters as they are presented in the screenplay."

A cast is always, in my mind, one of the first deciding factors of whether or not the film will be a good one. If there are actors or actresses I don’t like, I’m not as compelled to see them, it is the exact opposite for those films with actors and actresses I enjoy watching. To be completely and utterly honest, one main reason I saw this movie was the simple fact that Ryan Phillippe was a large part in this film. He is an extraordinary actor but at the same time, he’s just simply fun to watch! Overall I think that James Berardinelli did a great job at reviewing the movie in a positive structure. Much of what he had to say on the film was what I would have said following seeing the movie. If I hadn’t seen the film prior to reading the review, I think it would have given me a good idea of what the film’s main ideas were and what to expect, but not to ruin it. His non-biased view really indicates much of the meaning of the movie and I think this review could motivate many to go see this amazingly, wonderful, dramatic film.