Dean Cain and Peri Gilpin in "Crossroads: A Story of Forgiveness"
courtesy of Hallmark Hall of Fame
"Crossroads: A Story of Forgiveness" (Hallmark Hall of Fame)

Dean Cain stars in "Crossroads: A Story of Forgiveness" that airs this month on the Hallmark Hall of Fame. This movie is based on a true story and tells the story of one man's path to forgiving the boy who caused the accident that killed his wife and daughter. The fact it is based on truth helps add to the impact of the entire show.

Bruce Murakami (Cain) is a successful builder. He also has a wonderful family that consists of his wife, two sons and a daughter. One day Bruce's wife Cindy (Chelah Horsdal) and their daughter Chelsea (Katie Pezarro) make a trip to the local mall. While driving back they are struck by another car and killed. Bruce is devastated as are his two sons, Brody (Landon Liboiron) and Josh (Ryan Kennedy).

The police list the crash as an accident but Bruce learns from a local newscast that the crash could have been caused by a street racing incident. He questions the police and reads their report but is not satisfied. He eventually contacts a prominent attorney, Erin Teller (Peri Gilpin), and asks her to represent the interests of his dead wife and daughter.

Eventually Justin Guiterrez (Shiloh Fernandez) is discovered to have been the driver of the racing vehicle. He is arrested and is put on trial. At first Bruce is satisfied this has been done but then he begins to wonder what justice would actually be in a case like this one.

Dean is very effective as the grieving father in this film. He makes Bruce's anguish and his final transformation totally believable. Fernandez is also believable as Justin. He makes his remorse painful to see. Liboiron is effective as the conflicted Brody.

Peri Gilpin is ineffective in what amounts to a cameo performance. She has very little to do in the story and is not overly impressive when she is on screen. Julie Warner has even fewer scenes but manages to make an impact as a friend of the family.

The movie has a good message about forgiveness and it will hold your interest. It is not the best Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation but it is a solid one. Dean Cain and the truth of the story are the two reasons to watch.

"Crossroads: A Story of Forgiveness" airs Sunday night, April 22 at 9PM on CBS. 
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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