User reviews

This was another one of those films that showed up on Sky Movies Premiere and I recorded it expecting to delete it after about 20 minutes, which is what usually happens if it's a film I've not heard of before. But A Crooked Somebody was one of the 5% that I managed to watch all the way through.

What this film has going for it is its unpredictability. It frequently surprised me, often not going the way I expected, taking a left turn instead of a right. It's rare to find a film like that these days because everything seems to be dumbed down for people who can't handle anything that doesn't stick to a formula.

The lead actor was someone I hadn't seen before and at first I was a little put off, thinking he wouldn't be able to carry the film, but he does. In fact he really grew on me as the film went on. All of the performances in this film are good, and there's even an appearance from Daniel Larusso's mom and the girl from Sex Drive (who I've never seen in anything else, but she's good in this too).

The plot in a nutshell sees a dodgy psychic, Michael Vaughn get caught up in an absurd Ben Stiller style comedy, although there's no slapstick humour here, it's a dark thriller, but Vaughn repeatedly makes bad decisions and tells lies that lead to more lies. His female sidekick acts as his conscience, which helps to make it believable when he discusses his plans with her, listens to her advice and then usually ignores it, leaving you shaking your head. The whole thing escalates quite magniificently without ever taking a mis-step that leaves you rolling your eyes. The script is solid and I found myself really rooting for Vaughn even though he's a weasel.

The only negatives I can come up with are that on a couple of occasions the film dragged for a few minutes, but fortunately it always recovered. And although I couldn't predict how it was going to end, I found the ending a little disappointing. It tied everything up perfectly, but because of how the film had gone up to that point I was hoping for something a little more original. But those minor gripes aside, this film is a breath of fresh air and worth your time, in my opinion.

Greetings again from the darkness. The lust for fame is really just a plea for acceptance. In director Trevor White's film, the lead character, Michael Vaughn, wreaks of desperation for acceptance ... from the public, from his associate, and mostly from his Pastor-Dad. Unfortunately, the path Vaughn chooses is simply the first of many bad decisions. In fact, the film is really a chronicle of the downward spiral of Michael Vaughn's bad decisions.

Rich Sommer (Harry Crane in "Mad Men") plays Michael Vaughn, a psychic who tours the country peddling his book and his "act". And yes, it's an act. It's such an act, that it could be considered a scam. However, Michael focuses on connecting the living with their beloved dead ones, so his (sparse) audience is filled with those who want to believe he is legitimate. His assistant-associate-accomplice-would be and one time lover is played by Joanne Froggatt. Her job is to prevent Michael from becoming despondent over the lack of book sales, and also to be his audience-plant when a session gets stalled.

The bulk of the story revolves around Nathan (Clifton Collins, Jr), a man who believes Vaughn has connected to a man Nathan killed. In trying to clear his conscience, Nathan wants Vaughn to use his talents to help Stacy (Amanda Crew), the now-grown daughter of the man Nathan killed. Instead of focusing on "helping" those involved, Vaughn seizes the opportunity to put himself in the spotlight ... gaining notoriety as the psychic who helped solve a long-ago murder case. And no, this isn't the final bad decision Vaughn makes. He manages to make things much worse.

Real life married couple Ed Harris and Amy Madigan play Vaughn's parents - the one's he so wants to win respect from. The script from writer Andrew Zilch offers some pretty decent on screen tension, though it strains a bit too much in places - even with a worthy and relatable central idea. It's human nature to desire acceptance (especially from loved ones) ... though it takes a flawed personality to strive for fame and celebrity (especially at the cost of core values). Here's hoping you don't see too much of yourself in Michael Vaughn.

This is how a thriller should be written.

Although it has the look and feel of a tv movie; even the sound effects, music and feel were all very 1970/80's don't let that put you off, it is so much more.

For once we have a good story and clever writing throwing morals and honesty at every turn to make the viewer think, superb acting from virtually every character, involving and intriguing story that keeps you guessing and wanting more and the finale was for once not a let down and a joy to behold.

Even the title music at the end topped the film off for me - Reminiscent of an old Jim Reeves tune. The whole movie was crafted to play out like a TV murder mystery you used to watch on a Saturday night but with a lot of aplomb, polish and craft.

This one will keep you hooked. There are no good guys and bad guys just people making the wrong decisions and trying to fake an angle. Well worth watching for the story.

Loved that line.

This film is about Michael Vaughan, a self-proclaimed psychic, who is searching for fame and fortune. He, in reality, has no ability but he has picked up a few tricks that help bolster his ruse with the desperate people who are hoping to reach their loved ones through the abilities he claims to have. He finds himself in a sticky situation when he is kidnapped by a man who struggles with guilt stemming from a girl being left an orphan after he killed her father. When Michael learns the identity of the girl, he realizes that case had been one that garnered nationwide coverage many years ago. He thinks he can use this situation to help himself reach fame and fortune and begins manipulating the situation. However, his father has tried to warn him that it is better to be a straight nobody than a crooked somebody.

I liked this film. It was decent as far a lower budgeted films go. The story was interesting and the actors did a good job with their characters. It would've probably been much better had there been more depth to the story. I'm glad I came across it.

How far would someone go to pursue their dreams. Nice story and well built, keeps you entertained to the end swiftly, recommended.

Although let's keep God out of it. It is more a spiritual journey ... or a crooked one as the title suggests. You may know the lead actor from Mad Men, but even if you don't his seemless nature and his acting are impeccable in the movie. As is Clifton Collins and the others who are in this (always nice seeing Ed Harris, even if it is just in a small role).

The story itself would have given material for more. Saying that, it doesn't mean that the movie we get is bad. I just feel there was potential for more. Especially with the tagged on twist towards the end. But it is what it is ... and it's a neat thriller/drama with great performances overall

Enjoyed this thriller which kept me guessing till the end

Decent performance from Rich Sommer in the lead with very good support from the always likeable Joanne Froggatt

This movie is a great proof, that it's not necessary to hire well-known and highly-paid stars, then spend a big budget, in order to get a 10-star movie.

The story is unique and not even close to any other similar motif, and the dialogue was amazing. Locations of filming are very simple. Finally, the performance of -almost- everyone, was astonishing.

Really enjoyed this film. Kept my attention. Was not expecting this film to be any good. Turned out to be great. Check it out!

About halfway through it started to grip, and it never let go. Anchored by excellent performances, this little gem delivered. Good soundtrack, good direction and a very good story.

Well, a nice film this was, with every aspect of the black comedy genre in it. the acting are good,so are the filming and locations. haVe n mind that youll need to use your fantasy to absorbe the core of this feature.psycic powers are the keyword ,also murder,kidnapping and extortion. there are no glamour or extravagancy in this flick,just good old and plain acting,with a nice script and editing.

One way to expose the workings of a medium/clairvoyant team. You know it's great acting when our lead villain elicits both sympathetic & disgusting feelings. Good insight into the "how" technique of presenting bits of information gleaned from the dead (and the living). Quite twisty, could have ended a number of ways.

Well paced and engaging. Some recent big-budget duds could learn a thing or two from this little gem...