Roger Evan Larry won the silver medal for Best First Feature 2005 at Cinequest with his romantic thriller, CROSSING. Featuring Sebastian Spence and Crystal Bublé, this tale blends the dark underworld of the mob with eroticism, drama and suspense, creating a truly unique neo-noir sensation.
At his father's deathbed, Daniel (Sebastian Spence) promises his father that he will turn their family from petty gangsters to legitimate business owners. His good intentions are compromised when Davina (Crystal Bublé), a hooker who's trying to get out of the business by completing one last assignment, secretly takes photographs of him dressed as a girl. Daniel, confused and conflicted, begins to realize not only that he enjoys cross-dressing but also that he has strong feelings for Davina. Upon learning of the blackmail, he is forced to decide what is most important to him: the promise he made to his father or his own heart.
One of the strongest characteristics of this film is its bizarre yet captivating plot. Who would expect a criminal kingpin to fascinate in cross-dressing? It's an original and bold premise. It turns the notion of hard-edged and tough gangsters on its head. Scandalous is given an entirely new persona. The writing is brilliant and beautifully develops Daniel's and Davina's characters as they morph from who they are at the beginning of the film to who they become by its conclusion.
CROSSING is skillfully cast. Sebastian Spence, in particular, is outstanding as Daniel. He portrays the character with smooth ease. As a primary protagonist, one is drawn to him regardless of his flaws and fetishes. Sebastian's performance evokes empathy and compassion. He is equally comfortable and believable being the tough guy as he is being the vulnerable girl. Sebastian and Crystal's chemistry pops off the screen, both in their erotic sex scenes and their tender moments together. Crystal, with her baby face and doe eyes, carries an innocence and vulnerability that serves to create a powerful contrast against her wild and dangerous prostitute guise. Alan C. Peterson, as slimy Uncle Bunny, and Fred Ewanuick, as Daniel's best pal, deserve special mention. Bif Naked, while physically a good fit for the lesbian tough chick role, performed far better on the film's soundtrack and corresponding video with her song "My Greatest Masterpiece." Though she captures the mad quality of the character, her acting is at times jarring which distracts from her scenes.
In summary, this movie is rousing, enthralling, and engaging. In other words -- totally entertaining. It will make the audience look at cross-dressing in an entirely new light and gangsters may never look the same again. If you like drama, romance, thrillers or suspense, CROSSING will take you for an unforgettable ride.
At his father's deathbed, Daniel (Sebastian Spence) promises his father that he will turn their family from petty gangsters to legitimate business owners. His good intentions are compromised when Davina (Crystal Bublé), a hooker who's trying to get out of the business by completing one last assignment, secretly takes photographs of him dressed as a girl. Daniel, confused and conflicted, begins to realize not only that he enjoys cross-dressing but also that he has strong feelings for Davina. Upon learning of the blackmail, he is forced to decide what is most important to him: the promise he made to his father or his own heart.
One of the strongest characteristics of this film is its bizarre yet captivating plot. Who would expect a criminal kingpin to fascinate in cross-dressing? It's an original and bold premise. It turns the notion of hard-edged and tough gangsters on its head. Scandalous is given an entirely new persona. The writing is brilliant and beautifully develops Daniel's and Davina's characters as they morph from who they are at the beginning of the film to who they become by its conclusion.
CROSSING is skillfully cast. Sebastian Spence, in particular, is outstanding as Daniel. He portrays the character with smooth ease. As a primary protagonist, one is drawn to him regardless of his flaws and fetishes. Sebastian's performance evokes empathy and compassion. He is equally comfortable and believable being the tough guy as he is being the vulnerable girl. Sebastian and Crystal's chemistry pops off the screen, both in their erotic sex scenes and their tender moments together. Crystal, with her baby face and doe eyes, carries an innocence and vulnerability that serves to create a powerful contrast against her wild and dangerous prostitute guise. Alan C. Peterson, as slimy Uncle Bunny, and Fred Ewanuick, as Daniel's best pal, deserve special mention. Bif Naked, while physically a good fit for the lesbian tough chick role, performed far better on the film's soundtrack and corresponding video with her song "My Greatest Masterpiece." Though she captures the mad quality of the character, her acting is at times jarring which distracts from her scenes.
In summary, this movie is rousing, enthralling, and engaging. In other words -- totally entertaining. It will make the audience look at cross-dressing in an entirely new light and gangsters may never look the same again. If you like drama, romance, thrillers or suspense, CROSSING will take you for an unforgettable ride.