The Crusades

There is some visual panache here, and scenes that show promise. But too much is missing.

If you see this film in the afternoon, you may forget it by evening.

Just another so-so cliched high school film.

The performances of the three leads and all of the cast are all solid and authentic.

What the actual hell? This was one of the freshest takes on the high school hijinks film that I've seen in forever. There are no authoritarian rules, which gives the film a sardonic anarchy and weird vibe ... Leo Milano is a writer/director to watch.

While it never has the feeling of timelessness found in the best coming of age stories, there are enough silly moments and goofy adults to make it worth a watch. Unfortunately, odd decisions in the final act ruin any good will.



There are spirited moments in the picture, but the endeavor as a whole is uneven, lacking inspired goofiness and a deeper, more human feel for the characters.

A coming-of-age film for those least likely to make it.

"The Crusades" joins that group of party movies made with a mismatched lens of an older generation.