Beneficio del dubbio

"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

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

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 have to say that although the story itself was quite mediocre, casting Amy Irving as the daughter was a brilliant move. Irving was practically unrecognisable as the woman who - many years ago - identified her father as the murderer of her mother.

Irving is relaxed, uninhibited & - again - almost unrecognisable in her role as Karen Braswell. Karen has straight, bleached blond hair & drives a pick-up. Her role blew me away when I first saw this film. After "Carrie," "The Fury," etc... I was so used to seeing Irving as curly-haired, cautious, & retrospective. Karen Braswell was brashy, kinda trashy, blond & sure of herself - a role that actors literally kill for.

If you are a fan of acting, I highly recommend seeing this film JUST for Amy Irving's performance. She is AMAZING-!!!

Likewise for me, it's been a while since I've seen this movie, however, I remember it distinctly because of its stars.

I would recommend it for the following reason. If you have visited the area of Page, Arizona, and Lake Powell it's quite a kick to see this movie placed in that locale. Marvelous chases through the mysterious sandstone passages and on the water. Sometimes the location can be as much of a drawing point as the plot and actors. I've seen many otherwise mediocre things that have been filmed in a particular city or other location that I'm familiar with. London is among my favorites.

Interesting twists of plot and getting three great names like Amy Irving, Donald Sutherland and Graham Greene is quite a coup. It's good viewing for a chilly night with nothing better to do.