Crooked Hearts

Crooked Hearts is a 1991 coming-of-age film directed by Michael Bortman and starring Peter Berg, Vincent D'Onofrio, and Noah Wyle. Set in the late 1960s in California, the movie follows the story of the Flannery family, a dysfunctional clan struggling to get by after the demise of the patriarch.

When their father dies, the Flannery siblings find themselves adrift and vulnerable. The eldest brother, Tom (Berg), is a gambling addict with a penchant for violence. The middle brother, Charley (D'Onofrio), is an aimless drifter who dreams of striking it rich in Las Vegas. And the youngest brother, Becket (Wyle), is a naive college student who believes in the goodness of people. Together, they form a crooked unit, constantly on the lookout for their next hustle.

Their lives take a turn when they meet Marriet Hoffman (Juliette Lewis), a teenage girl with a rebellious streak who has just run away from home. Charley is immediately smitten with Marriet and ropes his brothers into helping him woo her. But things take an unexpected turn when Marriet reveals a secret that threatens to tear the Flannerys apart.

Crooked Hearts is a poignant and funny film that explores themes of family, identity, and love. The Flannery siblings are flawed, sometimes unlikeable characters, but the movie manages to make us care about their journey. The performances are excellent, with D'Onofrio in particular standing out as the charismatic but troubled Charley.

The movie has a retro feel that captures the mood of the 1960s counterculture era. The soundtrack, featuring songs by the likes of The Doors and The Rolling Stones, adds to the atmosphere. The cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the California landscapes with a dreamlike quality.

Overall, Crooked Hearts is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. It's a well-crafted movie with heart, humor, and a memorable cast of characters. It's a coming-of-age film that doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of growing up, and it's a reminder that family can be both a blessing and a curse.