Crooked Arrows

Uplifting sports movies are a dime a dozen, and this one follows the musty formula to a tee: wayward coach redeemed by the experience, ragtag group of kids molded into unlikely champions, hotshot player who learns the meaning of teamwork, etc. What sets Crooked Arrows apart is that it's about lacrosse—a sport largely neglected in cinema—and the story is tied to a revival of spirit among young Native Americans (whose culture invented lacrosse). Brandon Routh stars as Joe Logan, a member of New York's (fictional) Sunaquat tribe, who agrees to coach the tribal school's hapless team in order to secure land rights for the casino that his boss owns. Although initially just going through the motions, Logan gradually reconnects with his heritage—as well as with pretty teacher, Julie (Crystal Allen)—while encouraging his squad to excel on the field and off. Crooked Arrows is pure hokum, of course (and the inspirational speeches by a tribal elder and episodes involving sweat lodges and the summoning of animal spirits don't help), but its genial desire to please winds up making this more winning than the run-of-the-mill David and Goliath sports flick. A strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)