Crooked Arrows (2012) User Reviews

Good family/sports film

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 31 August 2013]

Joe Logan (Brandon Routh) is a local boy who's trying to make his mark. He wants to negotiate a land deal with a casino owner. In order to make it happen, he must get the agreement from the tribal council. In return he is forced to coach the local Native high school lacrosse team.

Brandon Routh has never been one of my favorite actors. Ever since Superman, I have seen nothing but stiff acting from him. In a way, he's perfect for Superman, but he makes a terrible Clark Kent. He's definitely no Christopher Reeve. I'm willing to accept Brandon's limitation here. It's a workable cliché filled family/sports movie. Chelsea Ricketts plays his plucky sister. While he's the coach, she wants to play. Like many sports movie, the final game is too long and too predictable. But it has enough feel good moments to make this work.

Unoriginal but still appealing

[zoerobe · 7/10 · 5 July 2012]

"Crooked Arrows" breaks no new ground in plucky underdog sports movies, but does offer a sweet, mostly clean alternative to some of the current theater offerings. It's rated PG-13, but has no graphic sex scenes, contains a positive message, and even a non-lacrosse fan like this one, found the games edge-of-your-seat intense. It does offer proof that sports movie clichés stay the same regardless of the ethnicity of the underdogs, but no film's perfect.

Brandon Routh plays the reluctant coach of the Jackpots (later Crooked Arrows) a ragtag public high school lacrosse team made of mostly Native Americans. He's also responsible for negotiating a land deal with a shady white guy, and is regarded by most his tribe, as a sell-out. Tensions come to a head when his dad opposes selling the land, and the council decides that dad gets to stipulate what Routh must do in return. The team is sufficiently pugnacious (they start a brawl after losing to a snooty prep school), but they need a coach who can channel their aggression and boost their confidence enough to be serious contenders. Also, they need much better equipment, which to the movie's credit, is dealt with openly.

The players break down into recognizable types: the goofy, fat kid; the insanely talented guy who needs to learn to be a team player; the spunky tomboy who's got more cojones than all her teammates put together, etc. The opposing coach who coached the teenaged Logan, is blond, scowly and borderline psychotic - and at one point, in perhaps a nod to The Karate Kid, bellows, "No mercy!" from the sidelines during a game. Unsurprisingly, the team will learn valuable lessons in life, and the coach will also grow as a person. As a Mr. Miyagi-like mentor figure puts it, there's a reason lacrosse is called "the Medicine Game."

Not the best, but not the worst

[Tri-State_Skater · 6/10 · 28 January 2014]

This movie was better than I thought, but its not the best movie about (modern day) Native Americans. Most of the good films are low budget so they are seen by a small audience. This was more mainstream than the others. However it only had a 6 million dollar budget, so that's why the box office didn't go well. They worked well with the budget though.

I didn't hate this movie but its not in my top 20 or anything. I wanted to keep watching but I also wanted more to happen. A few lose ends and missed potential. I also don't see why two white actors (Chelsea Ricketts and Brandon Routh) were playing Native Americans. They had a bunch of other real Native Americans in the film. I wasn't steaming mad but it did bother me. At least some people were really Native American. Everyone acted well.

Its not a movie I would watch with friends but I do suggest watching it. Also I like that Lacrosse was in a movie.

Entertaining family sports movie about the history of lacrosse in Native American culture & A Mighty Ducks remake. I say B-

[cosmo_tiger · 6/10 · 16 October 2012]

"Restore pride to our people, and their game. That is your first obligation." A Native American prep school lacrosse team is starting another season. Another very long season. When a change is made in order to restore pride in the people Joe Logan (Routh) is assigned as the new coach. A former All-American player himself (although he hasn't played at all since missing the big shot) the school thinks they have the answer. First of all I will say that this is a good and entertaining movie. That said it took me a little more then halfway through before I realized why I was experiencing Deja-vu. The coach of the down-on-its-luck-rag-tag team used to be the star for the best team in the state. He missed the final shot of the season and is shunned. He starts off coaching for personal gain but begins to grow with the team and teaches them what being a team means. I could keep going on about it but what I'm getting at here is that this movie is almost a shot for shot remake of "Mighty Ducks". This one deals with the history of lacrosse in the Native American culture and that part is interesting and the movie is entertaining but don't expect anything original. Overall, a fun movie to watch as a family. I give it a B-.

They didn't even try

[harrisguy-29246 · 3/10 · 21 April 2018]

Clunky acting and an unbelievably predictable plot

Good movie for those who like Lacrosse

[JohnRayPeterson · 5/10 · 2 November 2012]

It's a good movie for those who like Lacrosse or those who wish to get a feel for the sport. Let's face it, movies depicting the sport are rare. I wanted to see it because I played intercollegiate Lacrosse and knew I could appreciate the movie if it did a fair job of conveying the rigors of playing the sport; it does, sufficiently so but no more. I was not thrilled by the drama or core story as I doubt any moviegoer would. The cast did however do a good job of performing the 'game play' scenes. The toughness of the game may have been downplayed a little to the eyes of the erudite; the opposite will be perceived by those who have not played or seen several matches. The endless practice required to perform at the level depicted in the movie did not get enough coverage; I suppose the lessons and moral values the movie tries to impart had to take precedence. Unless you have an interest of some kind in Lacrosse, you might want to take note of the movie, otherwise if you want sport related drama of any kind, there are so many more better movies to pick from, I wouldn't know where to start.

More then Lacrosse!

[knobsworth · 10/10 · 21 May 2012]

I seen this film described as a, "David vs Goliath" event; Small team vs Big team = Small team wins! That's it in a nutshell, but It's so much more then that! Sure lacrosse is in our blood and our families played for centuries - and that alone is enough to bring tears to peoples eyes when they watch this on the big screen - but the imagery and language of our people in a medium that will touch so much people - makes me proud!

This new awareness of haudenosaunee people in popular media is way past due! When's the last time you seen a native even in a sitcom let alone a Haudenosaunee? You may know about the Cree, Navajo, Seminole, Cherokee, and Apache, but how many people know about the Haudenosaunee (a.k.a. Iroquois) league of nations? I love how this film incorporates subtle facts about the Haudenosaunee and doesn't miss expressing our sovereignty!

For those of you who play lacrosse and especially the younger ones getting into the game - this movie is for you! Your eyes might tear up and you may get so excited you want to cheer along - but you'll walk out of the theater more knowledgeable and more importantly - INSPIRED!!

Niá:wen / Thank you to the actors, production team, and everyone involved - what a great experience!

This is nothing like Mighty Ducks.. CONTAINS SPOILER

[coldheartedtruth · 8 August 2013]

To the guy who say's it a remake? C'mon... think of all the differences.

• Gordon misses the big shot for real... but Joe misses on purpose - Gordon gives up hockey and becomes a lawyer... Joe gives up LaCrosse and becomes a Casino Manager - Gordon is doing community service... Joe is just pressured into it. - Gordon shows up for the first couple of practices in a suit, talking on his "car phone"... Joe shows up in a suit and talks on his cell phone. - Gordon gets inspiration to turn it around from old hockey store dude.. Joe gets inspiration from old Indian dude. - Gordon gets his boss to sponsor and gets new equipment... Joe buys the new equipment himself. - The Ducks change their name and logo because of sponsorship... the crooked arrows change theirs because they want to. - Gordon recruits the big scary kid from the alley... Joe recruits his from the forest. - Gordon recruits his best player from another team... Joe just has to convince his best player to play. - Gordon takes his kids to a North Star practice for motivation... Joe takes his on a vision quest. - The duck kids fly through the skyway on roller blades... crooked arrow dudes fly through the forest and there is no roller blades involved. - Gordon's love interest with the players mom is new... Joe already had dated the players mom he falls for. - Gordon's falling out with the team involves players leaving... Joe's falling out involves him leaving. - Gordon quits his job for the sake of the team... Joe just screws over a developer. - Gordon's former team they faces in the championship still has his old coach... Joes former team they face in the championship game does not. - Gordon's former team are called "cake-eaters" by his team because they are rich kids... Joe's former team are not called "cake-eaters" even though they are also rich kids. - Gordon's best player gets hurt due to cheap shot in the big game and doesn't come back... Joe's best player gets hurt due to cheap shot and comes back for the final 20 seconds. - Gordon's captain that makes the big shot against his former team that he missed is the son of his love interest... Joe's captain that makes the big shot against his former team that he missed... is "not" the son of his love interest.

The differences are staggering... why one would even see similarity is beyond me.

Too Much Cheese on Serious Sandwich Poorly Made

[sfumatosprocket · 4/10 · 11 July 2021]

The potential was there, ruined by weak dialog formulas, poor character development using 80's cheesy hero meets heroine hard to get rot as something that adds cultural depth, really? Then it turns into a lacrosse movie with script and scenes clearly someone lacking sports background of any kind, felt like one of those terrible after school specials of 1980's.

If you can survive the terrible direction, script & dialog, some good touchstones of Native American Indian Tribal Peoples are within, but felt belittled by unfocused script, unforced errors, and poor acting/direction by the 2 primary love interest characters especially (never saw either before nor since, so must not have been just me).

Of all people politically of Our Founding Fathers and early days referenced, choosing Ben Franklin to make 'the Bogey Man' of whites shows intent with the producers and/or director... Ben Franklin wanted to coexist with Native American Indian Tribal Peoples, not be at war at all... in part, his desire to make the turkey a focal point in colonial communities was to domestically cultivate turkey like chickens to take focus off killing bison, which involved violating Native American Indian Tribal Land Boundaries...Turkey cultivation would alleviate the pressure on white men hunting illegally on tribal lands, helping to keep the peace.

So omitting such fools as Custer and Andrew Jackson as easy and actual Bogey Men may seem 'edgy' to pick on Ben Franklin, but it revealed the hand of influence on script and final product had a propaganda agenda more than making a quality movie as their priority.

Sadly the fact throughout, painting Native American Indian Tribal Peoples as emotionally and intellectually stunted, prone to war and poorly educated subliminally in half the scenes (80's movies especially did that narrating white suburban teens and young adults, hyping cultural identity clashes, but a 2012 movie should know better than to paint a tribal communities as a monolith of immature malcontents and poorly informed as a whole, needing a half white metrosexual oiled male model to save their village?

I'm white, and that's a subliminal formula that whites are the saviors... Gandhi, Tutu, Mandela, Confucius, Douglas, MLK...long list of non-white amazing noble & benevolent humans that stood up to England's Royal Family, The Last of the Roman Empire...who Our Founding Fathers only defeated BECAUSE OF Ben Franklin.

It was England's failed policies regarding Native American Indian Tribal peoples in the first place that caused the problems, seeing the indigenous peoples as "non-human" without Magna Carta rights, so no, if Ben Franklin remained loyal to Royal Family, we were going to be a UK colony to this day (do your research; I'm not joking...WW Brand, The First American, explains quite well), in which case, our current caste system of implied race privilege would be fully anchored by CAUCASIAN Royal Family mandates, placing tribal communities as 'primates' per their terms, meaning NO LAND RIGHTS AT ALL, NO TREATIES.

So this Ben Franklin slip is reflective of that Rupert Murdoch Mossad subliminal messaging to keep America stumbling.

And it shows throughout, plodding through scenes of fabricated controversies that belittle the real controversies.

The reviews going more than 7 (if you're Native American Indian AND love lacrosse, your personal connection might cause momentary lapse of reason to be generous, but even with such deep connection, no way a sane human goes 8+ on this trainwreck, and a 10?! There are a few '10' movies, perhaps 200 tops '10' ranked flicks ever made. They are the litmus.

This movie is well below half of a '10' score, and I'm being generous for mostly just recognition of Native American Indian Tribal Peoples.

I'm just not so sure bad movies about important topics help, so 4 feels generous to be honest.

It's like if you run a real business in the real world, then go home watching American Apprentice TV show... Dump's Tv show had very little resemblance to reality how business works.. being further evidence they knew nothing about the subject matter (the premise of looking for 'who to fire!' until you're down to just one means your company is by design happy about high turnover so a megalomaniac narcissist can fire employees would result in a company resembling the magaclown show we just witnessed still hanging around like a bad wart that won't go away.).

Just too many mistakes by choice on script and dialogue to go higher for me.

Great heart warming movie about family, community, relationships, history and sports.

[trtn-387-854440 · 10/10 · 3 June 2012]

My husband, my cousin and I really loved this movie. Being native we especially enjoyed the cultural aspects that we know so well. The music was very familiar to us. We are happy that all people will have a chance to enjoy the wonderful story, fabulous acting, and beautiful scenery. This is definitely a feel good movie for all. I am looking forward to buying it when it comes out on DVD. I would show it to my class. There are so many things that they could learn from this movie. I am also sure that my students and all movie goers can relate to the relationships and other aspects of the story. I hope everyone goes to see this movie. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It Follows "The Formula" ...BUT

[davidfurlotte · 10/10 · 12 October 2012]

"Crooked Arrows" is one of those movies that even if you know almost nothing about the sport of Lacrosse you get involved in the game so much so that you might just find yourself yelling at the screen and that is part of "The Formula" that works so very well for movies about sports.

BUT

If you start watching this movie thinking that "The Formula" is all there is to it, get prepared for a BIG Wake-up call.

This movie has managed to twist Native culture, Traditions, History and even Language all together so expertly that you are not only being entertained but being educated at the same time.

Saying that this movie is an emotional roller coaster would be akin to saying that Tecumseh was a great warrior. Both are major understatements.

I'm not going to give anything away here because I really believe that potential viewers should just watch and ENJOY this movie from start to finish without knowing more than what is in the synopsis.

Probably the biggest compliment I can pay the movie is by saying, "I'm Dave Furlotte and I'm a Crooked Arrow."

The formulaic underdog sports movie but still a solid entry

[Robert_duder · 8/10 · 6 November 2012]

Plain and simple...if you like the underdog sports films (Rocky, Miracle, Friday Night Lights etc etc etc) then you will love this. If you don't care for them then you won't. The film is very formulaic, it is practically lifted right from The Mighty Ducks scripts. I'm not saying this makes it bad, I simply am using it to explain to readers why they will or will not like it. Now as many reviewers have said, the thing that sets Crooked Arrows apart from those other films is they fascinating use of Native American culture. Now whether or not the information they show is factual, I don't know. I hope that it is because I don't think Native American culture is often explored in film especially to this end. The characters are good, although perhaps slightly one dimensional without any one of them standing out. Good direction and sports cinematography leaves you cheering for the time and will still make you feel good in the end. Is it unique? No far from it. Does that make it less enjoyable? Nope not at all. Crooked Arrows is a feel good sports film like any other.

I like Brandon Routh a lot. He might not be a leading man and say what you will but he was a great Superman, loved him in Chuck and he does a solid job in the lead role in this film. We all know the character, a jaded, power hungry, rising company star who for whatever reason finds himself forced to return to his roots and find himself in the process. He pulls it off and he's likable and you will root for him. Gil Birmingham does a good as Routh's father and one of the tribal leaders. His role is understated but significant. The beautiful Chelsea Ricketts gives perhaps one of the best performances of the film as the strong willed, sassy Nadie. She is fun and outspoken and just a terrific female lead. Crystal Allen is supposed to be the female romantic lead for Routh's character but she is incredibly underused and the chemistry between them is only slightly sufficient. She is heavily wasted in the film. Michael Hudson plays Reed, probably the most significant character on the team. Him and Rickett's have great chemistry and banter and they should have done more of the romance based on the two of them then Routh and Allen. The rest of the members on the team all play their roles well but they just don't get any opportunity to stand out.

Director Steve Rash isn't exactly a first rate director and yet he has had his share of experience and it hasn't all been bad. He does small little cute teen romantic comedies decently well. He brings that style to Crooked Arrows and it works. The reviews for Crooked Arrows all say the same...it is clichéd and it is, there is no doubt about it. But there is certain a niche in the demographic for this type of sport's film and the fact that Lacrosse is a huge major sport that as far as I know has never been done on film and then Native American angle keeps this unique enough to be enjoyable. It won't ever be an award winner but that doesn't make it perfectly entertaining. 8/10

A truly amazing film!

[megangushue · 10/10 · 2 November 2012]

Crooked arrows is an outstanding film that not only teaches its audience about the native culture, but also the real sport of lacrosse. My family and I just recently watched this movie and thought that it was very well done. Having native in our blood, we felt that it really taught us something about our culture and it's traditions. Also we happen to huge lacrosse fans, which is what prompted us to watch this movie in the first place, we felt that this movie really showcased the best parts about lacrosse; the hard-hitting play, and most importantly establishing a sense of community amongst the team and faithful spectators. The director really did a great job combing those elements into one in order to give lacrosse the reputation it deserves. Crooked arrows is probably the first movie souly surrounding the sport and I am glad that it was. The whole cast and crew made a truly impactful film that has something for everyone. This will most definitely be on my Christmas list this year. A truly great movie that will always make me feel like I've learnt something.

Crooked Arrow

[lacrossepinnies · 10/10 · 4 September 2015]

As a Native American and an avid lacrosse player, I was very anxious and excited to see this movie make the screen. I watched it with my children who love the sport as well, and I have to say that the Crooked Arrow was not only inspiring but extremely fun to watch. Many people today forget the origin of the sport and the great meaning behind it. The producers did an incredible job of keeping its audience on their seat and ready for action. I highly recommend that any child or teen interested in learning the game of lacrosse should watch this movie first. The movie shows what the meaning of team spirit and determination are. Great work to everyone involved with this movie. Especially our Native friends with roles in it.

That was beautiful!!!!

[andiwwjd · 9/10 · 8 September 2020]

I would love to see Native Americans restore their culture and get rid of those disgusting casinos. The white man is still stealing your land with drinking and gambling. Your ancestors are crying for they're people. Please bulldoze them all and restore your dignity!

I had no idea Native Americans have played lacrosse for centuries. I really enjoyed this movie. I removed a star because they didn't use a Native American young woman for one of the main characters.

Excellent

[wjmcgi · 9/10 · 22 January 2023]

A fun family movie. Based on sports (lacrosse) and a struggle by native Amicans to be competitive at their traditional sport against wealthy mainstream competition. A warm and happy experience. Hard to find this kind of quality in today's entertainment world.

A limited understanding of lacrosse would add to the enjoyment as the struggle to compete against superior competition would become clearer. But not necessary.

The movie gives a positive image of the native Americans way of life in a way that is rarely seen. It purveys inspiration in facing their challenges without the usual blame. The whole package makes it an unusual, entertaining and fun movie to watch.

Go Crooked Arrows!

[awayaku · 9/10 · 14 October 2013]

Just a fun little movie where the bad guy redeems himself and you get to cheer for the home team. I flipped this movie on just for something on the TV and pretty soon the four of us put down the cell phones, tablet and ipod and were cheering on the Arrows. It had some pretty funny moments, some Yeh! moments, fairly fun sports scenes and even taught you a little about Indian culture. By the end, my 11 yr old daughter, 13 yr old son and wife and I were giving the fist pump! Parents, be sure and be ready to explain what vagina means. It was pretty funny in context, but caught me be surprise. :) You could do much worse for a family movie night.

An Inspiring Family Film

[currieken-942-972915 · 9/10 · 8 August 2013]

A wonderful, inspiring family film that connects at every level. Oh, if there were only more films made like this, instead of the tasteless garbage that passes as family fare these days. Brendan Routh, a fellow Iowan, is wonderful to watch and does a marvelous, homey, down-to-earth turn from his role as Superman, and the young Native American lacrosse players blossom into fine actors before our eyes. I have only been slightly interested in lacrosse before this movie; I am now a convert and will be watching this truly native American sport whenever I have the chance. I watched this film with a huge smile on my face throughout and a growing pride in my -- as Routh would say -- "watered down" Native American heritage. Rent it,buy it, or download it, but enjoy it!

Inspiring, teaches about Native American culture, could have been better

[vchimpanzee · 11 July 2021]

Of course this is a formula. It's different from the other movies about bad sports teams miraculously getting better because it also includes lessons about Native American culture. And it's about lacrosse, which is one of the less familiar sports. I live next door to a college where lacrosse is a big deal, and yet even I don't know much because I don't even care about sports. Still, this movie appeared to do a good job of showing how the game is played.

And then there are the lessons about Native American culture. Once the movie gets past the obligatory "Injun" jokes, some of them in the casino, the fictional Sunaquot tribe is treated with respect and I assume the customs shown or described are accurate.

The standout performer here is Chelsea Ricketts. As the half-Sunaquot daughter of the former coach (once Joe takes over) who also acts as assistant coach and is a student as well, she has so much enthusiasm and determination and can bark orders like any man. If anyone can inspire this team to victory, she can.

Crystal Allen does a good job in a role typical of movies like this,. She is pretty, intelligent and determined and will not let her ex renew his relationship with her until earns it.

I have never seen Brandon Routh as Superman but I want to. Mostly I know him from what is called the Arrowverse, a group of CW network TV series that have crossover events, where he is more of a Clark Kent type than a hero. Here, he is neither of those and one would never guess this is a man who will be a respected actor and play Superman. Joe just doesn't seem to care, and even when he finally does, Routh's performance is merely adequate. There is good writing, but Routh only manages to challenge himself when the situation calls for it, and you wonder what inspired this team.

Dennis Ambriz is the answer. The tribal elder is an old man but he is tough and won't accept anything but excellence from the students he is teaching about their heritage. Like so many actors playing Native Americans, he is dignified but sort of lacks personality.

Kakaionstha Betty Deer is Joe's grandmother and spiritual leader. She's traditional but also cool, and also comic relief.

The team eventually attracts the attention of ESPN and the man who calls the game does quite a professional job. This is in stark contrast to the radio announcer for most of the games, who isn't very good and doesn't seem to care.

I've seen better performances from actors playing athletes in movies like this. No one else approaches the level of Nadie. Tyler Hill as Jimmy comes close but never really makes us notice him, other than as maybe comic relief.

There are different types of coaches. I don't know his name from looking at the credits but Coventry's coach believes in winning at all costs and if you can't do it he'll find someone who can and forget the rules.. He doesn't have this problem when his team first appears, but you can bet he will later. Isn't that what usually happens?

And Mr. Geyer is also your typical villain.

I guess loud rock music is necessary in a movie about male high school athletes. I could have done without it. One of the less annoying songs, "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba, gets a Native American flute added to it, which is nice. There is some music with a Native American sound or at least influence. I suppose I like the more traditional music.

Talk about global warming! The time of year is not mentioned except that the deadline for starting work on the casino is the day after Memorial Day. But this is New York state and it is mentioned that the events at the start of the movie took place several months earlier. And yet in every scene outdoors but one Nadie and the other girls are not wearing much. But they do look good.

Is this family friendly? The sound went out a lot and I don't know what words had to be removed. Even after that, there were a couple of scenes I wouldn't recommend to kids. But it's not too bad. I the locker room, one guy apparently wasn't covered except by what was put there by the censors, and Nadie and Grandma should have knocked first. Yes, we do get to laugh from time to time.

Stay around for the credits. I'm not sure what was taking place but Coventry's #15, who is white, does a rap and there is a video involving cast members, who seem to be having a good time and are no longer enemies. Later, it just appears the cast members are having a good time. I was assuming these were real people whose lives were depicted, but a group of man each saying "I'm a Crooked Arrow" were just fans. The credits do say this is fiction.

I think it's worth seeing, even though I've seen better.