Beneficio del dubbio

How many times have I watched something for a period of time before realizing that I'm looking at Amy Irving? This film was no exception. The woman is a chameleon, and though she certainly has been recognized for her work, I think she's underrated.

The plot of this film is mildly interesting - a man convicted of murdering his wife makes parole and looks up his daughter, who helped put him away. His daughter begins to doubt her testimony.

It would have been more intriguing to keep the plot on that level, to have the audience unsure throughout the film. Unfortunately, the plot disintegrates past a certain point and becomes a chase film, albeit through some magnificent scenery.

Donald Sutherland is very good in what has become a familiar role for him. But Amy makes the movie.

Donald Sutherland, Graham Greene, Christopher McDonald and Amy Irving all star in this odd little thriller that starts with Donald Sutherland's character Frank being released from prison after 22 years served for murdering his wife. It was his young daughter Karen's eye witness testimony that convinced the jury to convict him, but Frank is still maintaining his innocence. Frank maintains that his wife had been drinking and that they argued and she fell down the stairs. Now all Frank wants to do is help his daughter who has grown and become a single mom, waitressing to take care of her son Pete in the topless bar in their Arizona town.

At first Karen is terrified that her father Frank is in town, but he slowly wins her over to his innocence and things are going great until Frank discovers that her boyfriend Dan is about to propose.

Some great scenery in this dessert thriller including a great walk through a beautiful slot canyon and a gorgeous boat ride with a great rock backdrop.

Creepy story that might have been better with the original "did he or did he not" kill his wife left a mystery.

Probably not a recommendation from me unless you just really love Donald Sutherland...because he does creepy so very well!

I saw this film quite a while ago and really don't remember much of the story, which says quite something. I think it was about a father (Sutherland) who threatens his daughter and it was supposed to be a thriller. Sutherland has played a lot of these characters, but it's a shame he always ends up in ordinary, unremarkable films such as this one. It's not good, it's not bad, it's as mediocre as it gets. 5/10

This 1993 drama/thriller 'Benefit of the Doubt' stars Donald Sutherland and Amy Irving. Sutherland delivers a strong performance (as does Irving) in a rather "straight to video" quality film.

Amy Irving plays a character very unlike her other performances (such as Carrie, The Fury or Anastasia). For one thing she doesn't have her trademark curly hair but is a straight blonde, she plays Karen an Arizona single mom who works in an adult bar and smokes cigarettes. She has daddy issues, 22 years ago her father Frank (Sutherland) was arrested and placed into prison with the help of Karen after attacking his wife and killing her.

Frank is released and Karen is hysterical when she first finds out her son Pete (Rider Strong) has had a harmless encounter with her father. Karen tells her son to promise her not to see him again but Frank finds ways trying to enter her life again and seems harmless doing it. What Karen doesn't know is if what she saw that night 22 years ago actually happened and if she can trust her father again, a man she help stay in prison for such a long time.

One word can describe Amy in this film, and that is 'HOT', she is incredibly sexy and has a racy scene with her on-screen boyfriend Dan (Christopher McDonald), Sutherland is 'good' in his role. I watched this not expecting much and is good, just good. It wasn't incredibly well made but it passes for a good midday movie or if you are suffering from incredible boredom.

6/10.

"Benefit of the Doubt" features another "Creepy Grandpa" performance by Donald Sutherland, not unlike his character in "Panic". Sutherland is very good in both films, and is surrounded by excellent supporting actors, William H. Macy in "Panic", and Amy Irving and Graham Greene in "Benefit of the Doubt". Another plus is the beautiful desert setting, with magnificent red rock formations. Although the story is rather straightforward, the entertainment value is high. Grandfather is released from prison, and seeks relationship with estranged Daughter who helped convict him. Theodore Bikel's performance, as the district attorney is noteworthy also. Recommended. - MERK