Deliberate Intent

I in no way mean to suggest that 3 people being murdered for money is hilarious, but for anyone who knows a bit about the appellate process, the "dramatic" scene in the US Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit -- with the gallery shouting out and the two lawyers sparing on rebuttal -- was laughable. I know it made for a better scene -- in reality, attorneys are given a certain time period to speak and answer questions, and there is no confrontation between parties -- but a little authenticity would have been nice. For a "real" film appellate argument, I suggest watching the Supreme Court scene in "The People Versus Larry Flint" (plus the guy who play Scalia is a dead ringer!).

It was interesting, however, to see a case I read about in law school brought to life. The case actually has some pretty strong First Amendment ramifications, which I am delighted to see people on this site have discussed. So it was not all in vain!

The concept was good and initially this seemed to fit the typical court case film. But it was cut too short, and the family's decision at the end of the film left me with a very sour taste in my mouth. Didn't they get enough money! Wasn't this about more than money? So when u reach the end you'll notice that the story does not deserve to be on film because it is a pre-mature ejaculation!

(2000) Deliberate Intent THRILLER

Straight-to-rental from a made for television, co-written and directed by Andy Wolk starring Timothy Hutton which is based on true incidents somewhere in Washington whereas a family gets pointing all fingers pointing to the ex husband who's motivation was only for money. The second story or prosecution was the book's publisher of "Hit man" which the killer used as a tool to execute a family! Strictly by the book and uninspiring which by watching it still feels altered to suit TV viewers. This event, although meant well is better read on line as well as other sources than it to be seen on TV.

After catching this flick on late night cable, I did not expect much at all. I was not mistaken. The film raises some interesting questions on free speech and the US first amendment as it follows the story of a lawyer suing a publisher, whose book is responsible for a triple murder. This is an interesting topic to look at in a film and makes you think about books, films and songs and how they can influence weak-minded individuals, and have done in the past. John Hinckley Jr. and "Taxi Driver" is one that springs to mind. However the actual delivering of this message suffers due to the plot. The director does not seem to be sure whether he wants to concentrate on the murders the court case or the main characters divorce and is the worse for it. It jumps around too much, has no character development and is decidedly flat. Good idea but could have been better.

This movie is based on a true story. I just finished watching an episode of The New Detectives on the Discovery Channel about a triple homicide in Maryland. Near the end of the program, they showed a canceled check marked NSF made out to Palladin Press and then they showed the actual book, Hit Man, and it was the same book from this movie. The episode made brief mention of the court case and briefly showed the headline of the outcome of the case. I knew I'd recently seen a fictional program about this and I racked my brain until I came up with this movie. The movie coupled with The New Detectives episode give the complete story of a brutal and senseless occurrence.