jcasetnl

This is part love story and part courtroom drama. Otto Kruger plays, Kent Barringer, a supremely confident trial lawyer who just can't lose, but is ultimately selfish and soulless. A woman begs him to work Pro Bono on the case of her father who is accused of murder, but after promising to do so, Kruger ignores her. When he finally gets around to reviewing the facts of the case, he realizes he is connected with it in a very personal way, and this realization ultimately leads him to a new approach on life.

The film is entertaining but a bit too melodramatic and fantasy-bound for my tastes. Kruger is proficient in his role and great fun to watch. I look forward to seeing more of his work since is the first film I've ever seen him in. The supporting cast does good work yet there aren't any standouts.

Fun Fact: This is the earliest on-screen appearance of a pinball machine.

From the start it's clear we're not supposed to take this movie too literally. Anyone that can appreciate Myer's seemless skips between sarcasm and slapstick will enjoy this film immensely. Think of Cameron Crowe with a slightly twisted, yet dryer wit, but with the same kind of whimsy. No, you're not supposed to wonder too hard about how someone can afford such a nice apartment on a butcher's pay. The focus is on the emotions and comedy, which never fail to deliever.

Another great aspect of this film, for those that can keep up, is the incredibly eclectic mix of humor. Whether it comes from Charlie's Scottish father, Anthony Lapaglia's 'Serpico' wannabe attitude or Phil Hartman's twisted alcatraz tour guide speach, the jokes come from all directions and serve to make the film incredibly rewatchable.

Let's get something out of the way, folks: the majority of the positive reviews written for this film are being done by those associated with its production.

This film is so awful that I dare say it is not even a matter of opinion. Therefore, factually, this film is awful. It does not succeed as a film on any level. More was spent on the box art than on the entire film, which becomes apparent the moment the first few frames hit your television.

I've probably aroused your curiosity because now you're wondering just how bad this film could possibly be, right?

I guess some people have to learn the hard way.