Crooked Arrows Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A jaded ex-lacrosse star is forced to coach a struggling Native American team to save his ancestral land from becoming casino parking, proving that even a crooked arrow can fly straight, especially if one of its players turns out to be a surprisingly civilized, vegan ‘Sasquatch’.

🍿 Crooked Arrows: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Ancient Roots of Lacrosse and Modern Struggles

The film opens by depicting the historical significance of lacrosse, known as the ‘medicine game,’ played by the Haudenosaunee people approximately 800 years ago. This traditional game, played in wooded areas to honor The Creator, sets the stage for its modern-day iteration. In the present, the Sunaquot Nation’s high school lacrosse team, the Jackpots, struggles under coach Ben Logan and his enthusiastic daughter Nadie, often outmatched by formidable prep schools like Coventry.

Joe Logan’s Reluctant Return to His Roots

Joe Logan, Ben’s estranged son, works as a casino manager, seemingly disconnected from his tribal heritage. He becomes entangled in a land deal with developer Mr. Geyer, which requires the Sunaquot tribal council’s approval. To secure the deal, Joe is reluctantly tasked by his father, Ben, and the council to coach the failing lacrosse team, forcing him to reconnect with his community and the cultural traditions he once abandoned. His former relationship with teacher Julie also re-emerges.

A Cultural Awakening and Team Transformation

Initially, Joe approaches coaching with disinterest, leading to no improvement for the Jackpots. However, under the guidance of his spiritual grandmother and the wise tribal elder, Crooked Arrow, Joe begins to embrace the Sunaquot ways. The team starts learning their ancestral language and the deeper meaning of lacrosse as a ‘medicine game.’ This cultural immersion leads to new equipment, uniforms, and a new team name: the ‘Crooked Arrows.’ The team also gains a surprising new player, Maug, a large and initially mysterious figure believed by some to be Sasquatch, who turns out to be a gentle, vegan student.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe Logan (Brandon Routh): A jaded former lacrosse star and casino manager who is compelled to coach his tribe’s struggling high school lacrosse team, leading him to reconnect with his heritage.
• Ben Logan (Gil Birmingham): Joe’s traditional father and tribal council member who challenges Joe to embrace his Native American heritage by coaching the lacrosse team.
• Nadie Logan (Chelsea Ricketts): Joe’s spirited and determined younger sister, a talented lacrosse player and assistant coach who champions her team and culture.
• Dr. Julie Gifford (Crystal Allen): A supportive teacher at the high school and Joe’s former girlfriend who encourages his personal and cultural journey.
• Crooked Arrow (Dennis Ambriz): A wise tribal elder who serves as a spiritual mentor, guiding the lacrosse team and Joe through the traditions and meaning of the ‘medicine game’.
• Mr. Geyer (Tom Kemp): A ruthless developer seeking to expand the casino by disrespecting Sunaquot land and traditions, serving as an obstacle to the community’s well-being.
• Grandma Logan (Kakaionstha Betty Deer): Joe and Nadie’s traditional and spiritual grandmother who provides wisdom and guidance, pushing Joe to fulfill his responsibilities to their heritage.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Crooked Arrow: “No arrow flies straight. There’s nothing wrong with a crooked arrow. As long as it follows its own path, it will find its way.” – Said by the tribal elder, explaining the meaning behind his name and encouraging the team to embrace their unique path and find their way.
• Ben Logan: “Restore pride to our people, and their game. That is your first obligation.” – Ben tells his son Joe that coaching the lacrosse team is his duty to reconnect with and restore pride in his community.
• Coventry’s Coach: “No mercy!” – Shouted from the sidelines by the ruthless opposing coach during a game, highlighting his competitive and unsportsmanlike nature.
• Joe Logan: “Other developers would love to have a casino on Sunaquot land.” – Joe asserts this to Mr. Geyer, demonstrating his transformation and commitment to protecting his people’s land and interests, risking his job.
• Grandma Logan: “I hate the Yankees.” – Expressed humorously after the lacrosse field is restored using the same grass as the New York Yankees, showing her strong, traditional loyalties.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,832,541
• Worldwide Gross: $1,832,541

💥 Crooked Arrows Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, ‘Crooked Arrows’ really hit me! I went in expecting a standard sports movie, but I was so impressed by how it blended the underdog story with the rich history of Native American lacrosse. I found myself genuinely rooting for the team and tearing up during some of the more emotional scenes where they connected with their heritage. The whole concept of lacrosse as a ‘medicine game’ was so powerful, and it made the victories feel even more meaningful. The final game had me on the edge of my seat, cheering like crazy for the Crooked Arrows! It’s definitely a movie I’d recommend for a feel-good, inspiring watch that also teaches you something new.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of underdog sports movies (e.g., ‘Mighty Ducks’, ‘Hoosiers’)”
  • “Lacrosse players and enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in Native American culture and traditions”
  • “Families looking for an inspiring and wholesome film”
  • “Those who enjoy character redemption arcs”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Rated PG-13 for some suggestive references (explicit mention of a specific word by a character)”
  • “Sports violence (hard-hitting play)”
  • “Themes of cultural assimilation and identity struggles”

Professional Reviews

• The Daily Cinema: “‘Crooked Arrows’ might follow the familiar underdog sports movie playbook, but it transcends cliché with its heartfelt exploration of Native American culture and the spiritual roots of lacrosse. Brandon Routh delivers a solid, grounded performance as the reluctant coach, anchoring a story that feels both inspiring and authentic. It’s a feel-good film that scores big on emotional impact.
• Sports Reel: “While some might call it ‘The Mighty Ducks’ of lacrosse, ‘Crooked Arrows’ stands on its own with exciting game sequences and a strong cultural heartbeat. The film offers a fascinating look into the historical significance of the sport for Native communities, making it more than just a typical comeback story. It’s entertaining, inspiring, and surprisingly educational.
• Indie Spirit Magazine: “This film masterfully weaves together a classic sports narrative with rich cultural heritage, showcasing the deep traditions behind the ‘medicine game.’ The performances, particularly from the younger Native American cast, bring genuine passion and authenticity to the screen. ‘Crooked Arrows’ is a truly uplifting and important story that resonates long after the final whistle.

Audience Reactions

Viewers consistently praised the film’s inspiring blend of sports drama and cultural education.: Audiences loved how the movie showcased Native American culture and the spiritual meaning of lacrosse, making the ‘underdog’ story feel fresh and deeply authentic. Many found it incredibly heartwarming and a great family watch.

The exciting lacrosse action and the team’s journey of self-discovery resonated strongly with viewers.: Fans of lacrosse appreciated the accurate and intense game sequences, while general audiences were moved by the characters’ personal growth and the powerful message of pride and community.

Overall Consensus: A widely appreciated, feel-good sports drama that successfully combines a familiar underdog narrative with insightful cultural education, making it an inspiring and enjoyable watch for families and sports enthusiasts alike.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film would not have been made without explicit permission from the Onondaga Nation, highlighting the production’s commitment to cultural authenticity.”
• “The production team made an effort to incorporate subtle facts about the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) league of nations and express their sovereignty within the narrative.”
• “Lacrosse, often referred to as ‘the medicine game,’ is portrayed with historical accuracy, emphasizing its centuries-old roots in Native American culture.”
• “Despite the movie’s setting in upstate New York (Sunaquot Nation), a significant portion of the filming actually took place in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.”

🖥️ How to Watch Crooked Arrows?

As a heartwarming sports drama, ‘Crooked Arrows’ is available for rent or purchase across various major video-on-demand platforms. You can find it on services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Check these platforms for current pricing and availability to add this inspiring tale to your movie collection.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Crooked Arrows, you might like these similar films:

• The Mighty Ducks (1992): It shares a very similar underdog sports team formula, with a reluctant coach guiding a ragtag group of misfits to victory against a well-established rival.
• Remember the Titans (2000): Explores powerful themes of team unity, overcoming prejudice, and cultural identity through the lens of a sports team, akin to Crooked Arrows’ focus on Native American heritage.
• Moneyball (2011): A contemporary sports drama from the same era, focusing on an underdog team challenging traditional methods with innovative strategy, offering a different but equally compelling sports narrative.
• Next Goal Wins (2023): Another true story about an underdog soccer team from American Samoa, featuring a new coach and strong emphasis on cultural identity and community, sharing similar inspirational and cultural themes.
• Hoosiers (1986): A quintessential underdog basketball story about a small-town team overcoming immense odds, appealing to fans of classic inspirational sports dramas and a testament to team spirit.

🛒 Crooked Arrows Related Products

• Official Crooked Arrows Replica Lacrosse Stick: Own a piece of the ‘Crooked Arrows’ legacy with this high-quality replica lacrosse stick, designed to match those used by the Sunaquot team in the film. Features authentic detailing and a commemorative ‘Crooked Arrows’ emblem.
• The Medicine Game: A History of Lacrosse in Native American Culture (Ebook): Delve deeper into the rich history and spiritual significance of lacrosse, known as ‘The Medicine Game,’ within Native American traditions. This comprehensive ebook expands on the cultural insights introduced in ‘Crooked Arrows.’
• Crooked Arrows Team Spirit T-Shirt: Show your support for the Sunaquot Nation and the ‘Crooked Arrows’ with this comfortable, high-quality team spirit t-shirt. Features the iconic ‘Crooked Arrows’ logo and tribal-inspired design.
• EA Sports Lacrosse ‘Champion’s Journey’ Video Game: Experience the thrill of lacrosse with this immersive video game. Create your own underdog team, learn traditional techniques, and compete for the championship. Features customizable teams and dynamic gameplay.

🎧 Soundtrack

Crooked Arrows features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dream Big” – performed by Emmanuel Kelly

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Crooked Arrows Tri-State Casting Call / Audition Highlights

Ever wondered how the cast for ‘Crooked Arrows’ was found? This awesome video takes you right into the audition room, showing off the real lacrosse talent that brought this movie to life – it’s really cool to see how passionate everyone was!

✨ Rate