Imaginary Crimes MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: -1/2

Set in the 1950's, IMAGINARY CRIMES is a poetic tale about an 18 year old girl named Sonya Whiler (Fairuza Balk) who writes about her struggles growing up with a single father. Sonya and her sister, Greta, lost their mother to cancer eight years ago. Ray Whiler (Harvey Keitel) is left to raise his daughters alone. Ray is always looking for the latest and greatest money making scheme. Unfortunately, while Ray is busy chasing the rainbow, he neglects Greta and Sonya. His fast talking temporarily distracts the girls' attention away from their poverty and gets Sonya admitted into an "all girls" school. It is here that Sonya begins to discover a new way of life. Her literature teacher is impressed by her writing ability and becomes her only source of encouragement. Meanwhile, Ray continues to con investors. He uses investment money to supply the family's basic needs. But when one investor uncovers the scam, and presses charges, Ray is arrested and charged with grand larceny and fraud. His solution is to escape to Las Vegas to start over. Sonya, however, refuses to believe his flowery promises any longer. While IMAGINARY CRIMES does have a definite sadness about it, it is not depressing. The film is more about Sonya's blossoming into a responsible young adult than about the failure of a father.

Ray's unwillingness to work honestly is not glorified as his actions adversely affect his relationship with his family. His pursuit of dreams at the expense of providing for his daughters is tragic. His hypocrisy is further accentuated when he scolds Sonya for bringing home a trashy romance novel; all the while he is swearing at her. Ray drinks and smokes heavily throughout the film. He also swears frequently, using mostly profanity and crude language. The foul language does, however, further demonstrates the pathetic nature of Ray's character. This contrasts sharply with Sonya's remarkable maturity as she realizes that it is up to her to make a life for herself and her younger sister. Lacking any hint of sexual activity or suggestive dialogue, IMAGINARY CRIMES earns a PG rating for its adult subject matter and some foul language.

Preview Reviewer: Krista Kay Bontrager
Distributor: Warner Bros., 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522