Crossroads: A Story of Forgiveness (2007) Online

The pre-broadcast publicity for this film eliminated the drama of how the story ends. It is a true story of a man forgiving the teenage boy whose street racing caused the death of his wife and daughter. The beauty is in watching the story unfold. Dean Cain is perfectly cast as the father Bruce, so caught up in his own grief, anger and frustration that he fails to address the needs of his grieving sons. Bruce has to go to extraordinary lengths to pursue justice and then, when justice is at hand, he finds that forgiveness is what is needed. This much I knew before ever seeing this film. Landon Liboiron and Ryan Kennedy are excellent as the sons Brody and Josh. Kudos to Shiloh Fernandez as Justin, the boy responsible for the fatal accident. For us to understand the resolution of this story, we have to believe that Justin's life was shattered just as surely as the lives of Bruce and his sons, and that his remorse is genuine. Shiloh's performance was right on the mark. The entire film is beautifully cast and performed. The story is heart-wrenching and heart warming. I highly recommend it.

I thought this movie was excellent. At times I just wanted to strangle Dean Cain - he was so clueless as to his son's.

Very good storyline, very believable. I would see it again.

It truly makes you think about "what if".

And also - you can't judge a book by it's cover. You might be thinking one thing and in the next instant - you looking at yourself.

Think about it.

I think the guy who played the racer was indeed very believable in his role.

He made me change my mind about him by the end of the story. Excellent.

I've never been as happy with Dean Cain since he stopped playing Clark Kent as I was when he was the likable journalist/superhero. But he was okay here. I liked that his character learned not to be bitter like his two sons. Watching Brody's behavior was tiring after a while, but I guess I would have a hard time forgiving in this situation. I certainly felt bad seeing characters I liked so much in just a few scenes, knowing they were likely the ones who would be the victims.

It's important to see that it is possible not to hate. I was disappointed that faith wasn't mentioned, because sometimes religious faith is the only way to make a person willing to forgive.

And we see the point of view of the guilty person. This isn't someone who is getting away with anything. He regrets what he did and he is already in a sort of prison. What purpose would be served by a real prison? But we end up seeing that the one who most wants justice can come around to that way of thinking.

The standout performance here comes from Peri Gilpin as the lawyer who sets out to find justice for the victims and instead plays a role in finding the best possible outcome, one that will help others too.

It didn't feel much like a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, but it was still good, with little objectionable content.