Der Advokat des Teufels

Never having seen "The Advocate's Devil", we decided to take a chance and frankly, it paid off quite well. Thanks to director Jeff Fleckner, the film has a lot going. In fact, the crisp cinematography used in it and the excellent editing makes this a movie well worth a look.

The film is based on Alan Dershowitz's novel, a defense attorney, himself. We are presented with a situation of how a lawyer's bad judgment clouds his vision and gets a client absolved of a crime that seems, in retrospect, too obvious to even get involved in. Abe Ringel (Ken Olin) is retained by jock star Joe Campbell (Holt McCallany) when a young woman accuses him of raping her. In fact, Ringel and his team of investigators seem to have doubts about this client from the start.

Joe Campbell figures he is above the law and can do whatever he thinks he can get away with, even after a tragedy occurs, for which he is not even blamed. It's not until he decides to concentrate on Emma, Ringel's daughter, when everything comes to a head.

The film is interesting to watch because it's not the typical Movie of the Week type. The acting is good and the cast gives an excellent account under the direction of Mr. Bleckner.

"The Advocate's Devil" will not disappoint because the quick pace and credible story.

This turned out to be a very good movie. The story is intriguing, and I wonder if it must have been based on reality, somewhat. The only problem is there was the big film- "The Devil's Advocate" with Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino- (totally different plot though) so it may confuse the viewer, thinking these are similar films, and thus, not tuning in.

That aside, Ken Olin is excellent in this film, as the defense attorney who must defend basketball star, Joe Campbell (portrayed by Holt McCallany). I have seen McCallany in one or two smaller films, and he was excellent in this. The case which Olin prepares so well, and wins turns out to be a possible mistake. What if the defendant really did rape these girls? What kind of person is he? What is he capable of?.

Mariska Hargitay is also good as Olin's assistant. There is a small role for Deanna Milligan ("Intensity" 1997) and Gina Philips is Olin's daughter, who becomes involved with Joe Campbell (McCallany). While the ending wasn't overly suspenseful, this film addresses the many flaws in our legal system, and psychological issues which cannot be assessed by the courts.

"Thirty Something" star Ken Olin has certainly had a fascinating career since the series ended. He has become a very successful producer, for one thing. Acting wise, for as nice a guy as he played on the series, he has often been cast as a wife killer. In this movie, based on a novel by Alan Dershowitz, he's an attorney with a run of losses who takes what looks to be a slam-dunk case, defending a basketball star accused of rape. Along the way, it begins to look like the case isn't the winner he anticipated as inconsistencies in his client's story begin to emerge.

As his investigator girlfriend, beautiful Mariska Hargitay gives a warm and honest performance. I first saw Mariska's work when she was a kid on "Falcon Crest" and my opinion of her has never changed. She was a delight then, and she has evolved into a wonderful actress while still maintaining a charismatic presence. Holt McCallany, as the defendant, gives nothing away in an enigmatic performance and will keep you guessing.

This is a film that will definitely hold your interest. Only a lawyer could come up with a plot like this, however. I found it just a little too clever.

Well...I originally wanted to watch this little telefilm; to see some other stuff Hargitay had done. I must say it was werid seeing her with long hair. The whole plot of the story ran like your typical 'lifetime' movie. You know the channel where; "The men are accused, and the women are abused."

Just like all other lifetime movies, this one was predictable. As soon as the Lawyer's daughter left for college I swear I knew exactly what was going to happen. I understand that someone would like to make unique camera shots to enhance their piece. But trust me using dutch angles was not a way to go. It just seemed to make the film worse, and I wondered when they'd stop it.

Besides all of that they never really explained the 'note' that the basketball player found in Rendi's computer. I find it hard that the girl would dismiss it all that easily. In regards to that it wasn't very realistic.

I don't understand why we can't watch this movie what do I have to do I've been trying to rent, buy forever somebody help me