Reviews (47)

Meryl Streep Was Robbed of the Oscar !
Meryl Streep continues to amaze me by adding another performance to her gallery of great roles. Being a guy l have to be honest to say that l cried throughout the film, especially near the end. The whole issue of cancer is a very challening topic to present on film. "One True Thing" does a fantastic job at addressing one family's struggle with the life-threatening illness. Although the film starts off very slowly, l was intrigued with the struggle and friction that exists within a family. Meryl Streep earned her 11th Oscar nomination for this performance and she is amazing. I have to say that she was robbed of the Best Actress Oscar. Gwyneth Paltrow for "Shakespeare In Love" ? Pleeeease. The bathroom scene where Renee Zellwegger helps Meryl out of the bathtub is heartbreaking to watch. And when Meryl asks her daughter to help her out of her pain is the point of the movie where l'm sobbing like a baby. I was totally blown away by the power and raw emotion of that scene. I don't want to spoil the whole movie for you but if you're a fan of Meryl Streep's work, then you won't be disappointed. And forget about getting the tissue out, bring a whole roll of toilet paper cause you're gonna need it. This movie is 5 star weeper.

One True Thing is a one true movie!
Since I became very interested in Renee Zellweger, I had decided to rent this, and I thought it was such a beuatiful movie. After learning that her mother has cancer, Ellen (Zellweger) is asked by her father (William Hurt) to come back home to care for her. At first, she refuses, but finds the strength to do go home, and in the process begins to have a more loving relationship with her mother that she never really had before. I had never watched many of Meryl Streeps movies before, but just watching her playout this character who is indeed suffering a great deal made me totally upset, and like Ellen you wish so much to want to help her even if you can't. However, when I think more of it, it really is better to have loved than to have lost. And in a very beautiful way, both Ellen and her mother found that bond which will always be with them. I wish I could review more, but in a way as I write this, I am feeling a little emotional over it. There really are no other words. Except one love: love. I guess less is more.

THE EXTRAORDINARY SOUL OF A REGULAR "HOUSE WIFE"
If there's one actress that can get into the skin of her character, Streep is it. She effortlessly portays a regular housewife, embroidering pillows and decorating cribs one minute, and being a veritable fountain of love and understanding the next! William Hurt turns in a convincing performance too, as the aloof and careless Regular Husband, while Zellweger adds a mean punch with her rich and dynamic presence.

The theme is hardly anything earth-shattering, but there's a fine line between the genuinely moving and the saccharine, and under Franklin's low-key direction "One True Thing" succeeds where many pictures fail by maintaining its dignity and, just as importantly, its honesty. You won't cry out of a sense of obligation, but because the incredible cast drive the material straight to the heart.

Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a stirring "Ordinary People" type of a drama. Keep a Kleenex handy.

Please read the book
Although the acting is very fine, this movie does an injustice to the book. The book is the story of Ellen's developing awareness, and is told very subtly. Before her mother's illness, Ellen had been seeing the world through her father's eyes. In the process of bonding with her mother, she develops a much deeper view of herself, her parents, their life as a family, and of how she intends to live. The movie comes close to reducing this complex story to a morality tale espousing the beauty of traditional feminine virtues, and makes what should be a subtle story a nearly black and white one. The problem is not that the movie differs from the book; it's that the movie fundamentally distorts the book's meaning.

Good movie
This was a really nice dramatic movie which Meryl Streep truly shines in. The movie also stars Renee Zellweger and William Hurt. Zellweger plays a workaholic who lives in New York, and goes home to visit her family for her father's (Hurt) birthday. She learns that her mother (Streep) has cancer and her father asks her to move home to take care of him, thus leaving her career, life and boyfriend behind in New York. Zellweger plays a cold character who is distant from her family, but she has to hold it together for all of them. She soon learns how much her mother does day to day, and finds herself growing with resentment towards her father who takes no part in helping or caring for his wife. He also has affairs and is emotionally distant from the family. The movie focuses mainly on the women, so you find yourself relating to them more than the father. The movie was well done and Streep stole the performance as the dying mother, nothing short of excellent work as usual. My only complaint is the way the scenes are put together. The movie starts in 1988 where Zellweger's character is talking to a lawyer, and then you watch the past and see the story interjected between these scenes, which cuts between the drama and is not very effective in my opinion. Also, in the end when the mother dies from drug overdose, the daughter believes her father did it, and vice versa. It was not explained very well or even exposed that the mother was the one who did it, it just seemed to sneak in right at the end. Overall a good movie though. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

PREPOSTEROUS BUT ENJOYABLE
There are so many things in this movie that just couldn't happen, starting with a wife and non-military lawyer, defending her husband, and the inconsistencies in the plot line. However, director Carl Franklin keeps the movie going so briskly and the cast is so good, that I overlooked these and found myself enjoying the movie very much.
Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, who discovers that her husband isn't who he says he is, and then has to confront her own doubts as she tries to save his life.

Morgan Freeman is the recovering alcoholic, former military attorney, who decides to help her out and keep off the juice.
Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ) is Ashley's husband and his performance is deeply moving, yet somehow dark and disturbing.
Bruce Davison's small role as the big shot general, is coldly efficient.
Amanda Peet plays Ashley's somewhat self-centered sister to the tee, and Adam Smith as Embrey, the green lawyer assigned to the case, also does well.
HIGH CRIMES pulls a twist at the end that's kind of "cheap" but it does work.
Joseph Finder, the author of the book on which this movie was based, gives some interesting commentary on the extras, and even has a featured role in the film.
Not a bad way to spend a couple hours.

Fast Paced And Well Acted
"High Crimes" is based on a book of the same name by Joseph Finder, and is so frequently the case, the book is better than the movie. Which isn't to say that this is a bad movie; in fact, it is a very good one. In today's world, fascinated with trials and the legal system, the emphasis on courtroom events is to be expected, but as a retired lawyer with 30 years in the Courts, I find this aspect a bit ho-hum. But the underlying plot of a military atrocity being possibly covered up by the court martial of a scapegoat NCO is effectively rendered here. Ashley Judd, who I view as a B- level actress does a commendable job as the lawyer wife of the accused ex-soldier. Morgan Freeman, who I rank as an A- actor, and a favorite of mine, is excellent as the alchoholic ex-military lawyer who tries to help defend the accused, played very well by Jim Caviezel.It is a fast paced flic with a surprise twist ending that is a good effort and an enjoyable movie.

A taut legal thriller
Joseph Finder's bestselling novel comes to life in this well-made, though somewhat predictable, thriller as a savvy and love-struck lawyer is pitted against the military and its covert actions. Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, a lawyer on the way to a partnership until her husband is arrested for a military crime he swears he didn't commit. To defend him, Claire must navigate military law and threats, getting in deeper and more dangerously with every half-truth she uncovers.

The plot has fewer holes than most thrillers, although most viewers will see the "twist" a mile away. And that a law firm would jettison one of its promising stars because her husband was arrested is preposterous. Wouldn't they help in the defense? Still, given the holes in most thrillers these days, these lapses are minor. The acting is solid, with Judd creating a gutsy, smart woman who is capable of both unfaltering love and fury. Morgan Freeman does a fine job with his thin material as a once-alcoholic lawyer who is "a thorn in the military's side." James Caveziel, as Claire's husband, is less complex; his pleading got on my nerves by the end. Supporting roles by Amanda Peet (Claire's floozy sister) and Adam Smith (a young military lawyer) are adequate, though not highly memorable.

The strength of this film is in the pacing and the seamless way in which it unfolds. The issues it raises about the United States's involvement in El Salvador provide an interesting, though not fully developed, frame. Highly enjoyable, though not perfect, this film is a good way to spend two hours with a bowl of popcorn at hand.

A script with holes but watchable!
Who really believes a lawyer may defend to her husband? Weird jury. Don´t you?
But if you let that point outside , you will watch an interesting film with a bit of film noir . Freeman plays an alcoholic lawyer who suddenly must accepth a defiant case .
Ashley Judd plays a convincing role ; she ´s one of the most beautiful actress in the world and many times the camera reminds us. However the script is surrounded of smart crossroads.
Watch James Caviezel as Ron Chapman . Carl Franklin is a consistent film maker.

Great movie, Great acting!!
This is a perfect movie in every way. The acting is A++ and the plot is even better!! Ashley Judd plays the wife of a military man (Jim Caviezel) They are living a perfect life in a nice house when their world get turned upside down!! Judds husband is accused of killing a hand full of people when serving in El Salvador many years back. Judd cannot believe such a thing and she hires a lawer who knows how the military works. The lawyer played by Morgan Freeman is unsure about the case but then agrees to take it on. the story is filled lies, and threats and deception. It will keep you on the edge of your seat untill the very end, great movie top notch acting. 5 stars!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Easy Does It!
It is the end of WWII. Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins(Denzel Washington) returns from the war to find segregation,discrimination, and a decent job hard to come by. He has used the little bit of money he had to buy a house and car, but he must find a way to keep up the payments. A job does come his way, it sounds shady, but it's seems to be easy cash, so he takes it. The job...To find a missing woman named Daphne Monet(Jennifer Beals)...seems easy enough.

Finding this mysterious woman, Easy, gets into trouble at every turn. Dead bodies start turning up all around him. The cops harass him,he uncovers political foul play, and a dark secret about the woman. Working with him is his old friend "Mouse" (Don Cheadle), who's answer to everything is shoot first and ask questions later. The "reward" for finding this woman and what she knows is growing as the answers start leading up the ladder of society. Is Easy's interest now for the money or the girl?

If you like the old style of film noir in movies like "Laura" or the newer modern film noir like "L.A. Confidential" you'll love "Devil in a Blue Dress". It's gripping, edge of your seat stuff.Director Carl Franklin and director of photography Tak Fujimoto give us a great look at this steamy side of Los Angeles in the 1940's.The musical score by Elmer Bernstein is wonderfully atmospheric, and the old rhythm and blues or"Shout and Jump" music by such greats
as T-Bone Walker and Duke Ellington are a great addition to 1940's feel. The cast also features Tom Sizemore and Maury Chaykin.

The DVD(Columbia Tri-Star) is a nice transfer. It is in widescreen, with a full screen version on the other side. Picture and colors are outstanding. The sound was good, dialouge a little low at times but still good. Features include Director's commentary during the film if you want, Don Cheadle's screen test and trailers. There are subtitles for those needing them.

All that is needed now is another EASY RAWLINS story..how bout it Denzel?..........Enjoy........Laurie

A neo-noir of the first order
A voluptuously seedy tale of blackmail, murder and double-cross, "Devil in a Blue Dress" captures splendidly the mood of the forties, and is a worthy modern equivalent to old gems such as "Double Indemnity", "The Blue Dahlia" and "The Big Sleep". Acting, writing, direction, cinematography and music are all of an par above the standards of conventional filmmaking. Denzel Washington -- (an actor who is flawless in every performance) -- is superb in the role of Walter Moseley's detective, Easy Rawlins, the classic noir type of the down-at-heel gumshoe. He receives excellent support from Jennifer Beals, Tom Sizemore and Don Cheadle as his gun-crazy help. A heady aroma of sexuality and intrigue make this one of the most absorbing of recent noir film adaptations. Carl Franklin, with a flair for suspenseful situations, directs crisply.

Devil with a lot of sexuality
Denzel and Lisa Nicole Carson [who played Carla in ER opposite Peter Benton's character] heat up the screen with their... love making doesn't really quite apply here, but let's stick that I suppose. Tom Sizemore delivers a stellar performance. The film has a sleek, stylized quality to it. Period piece. Denzel delivers as he does time and time again. A good movie, but be prepared for violence and serious sexual content.

Stylish Post-War Mystery
It's summer in Los Angeles, 1948. Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins (Denzel Washington) returned from World War II a few years ago to a land of opportunity. He got a job, a mortgage and a home of his own. But now he has lost his job and is determined not to lose his house. A friend introduces Easy to a sleazy character named DeWitt Albright (Tom Sizemore) who ostensibly is trying to locate the former girlfriend of mayoral candidate Tom Carter (Terry Kinney) so that the couple may be reunited. Desperate to keep making his mortgage payments, Easy accepts the job of finding the girlfriend, a woman named Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals). His search causes him to be suspect in several murders and arouses the interest of the rival candidate for mayor, Matthew Teran (Maury Chaykin). Easy finds that he is not the only person looking for Daphne Monet and that no one is exactly who he, or she, appears to be. As motives become less clear and the trail becomes more murderous, Easy calls on a childhood friend named Mouse (Don Cheadle), who has more experience in the criminal underworld and is more than willing to use force, for help. With the police, Albright, and Daphne Monet all demanding his loyalty, Easy must buy time and use his wits to unravel the mystery of Daphne's identity and uncover the scandals that will make or break the careers of two of the city's prominent politicians.

"Devil in a Blue Dress" is based on the detective novel of the same name by Walter Mosley. Screenwriter and director Carl Franklin has altered and simplified Mosley's novel for the screen and employed cinematographer Tak Fujimoto to create a stark and moody environment in sunny California. Fujimoto's cinematography looks great and is reminiscent of the film noirs of the 1940's, when the story takes place, and also does an excellent job of communicating the tone of the novel visually. The degree to which the film evokes the style of World War II era film noirs is striking considering that "Devil in a Blue Dress" is in color. This film isn't as sexy as the novel on which it is based, nor is it as effective in conveying Easy's desperation. It is, however, more tightly woven, more plausible, and more enmeshed in city politics. Don Cheedle's interpretation of "Mouse" couldn't be better. And the cinematography is a pleasure to watch. "Devil in a Blue Dress" a stylish and enjoyable neo-noir adaptation.

Uniqueness amongst Conventionality
'Devil in a Blue Dress' quickly creates a very appealing misé en scene that's constructed upon upbeat and sunlit scenery. Combined with director Franklin's dexterous dolly movements and smooth camera techniques that follow the always-charismatic Denzel Washington around the culturally diverse streets of 1948 Los Angeles, it makes you want to throw your imagination into its storyline for a few hours. With brooding and insidious male characters, beautiful and mysterious female characters, voiceover narration by the protagonist, and a gradually revelatory, detective-like storyline we get the sense that we're watching a more-colorful-than-usual film noir. There's no question that it couldn't have been setup much better; it's too bad that it slowly-but-surely dissipates away into the realm of conventionality.

As far as underrated acting goes - Tom Sizemore is spectacularly sleazy as the coldhearted DeWitt Albright and Maury Chaykin is his usually creepy self as the political Matthew Terell. Easy Rawlins (Washington) is a familiar character - he's a man who will do just about whatever he has to do in order to earn some cash, although he's proud of his dignity and won't sell himself short. He's also more amiable and compassionate than the average man is, which is what ultimately differentiates him from the bad guys of the story. The lesser-seen element here, however, is that he also happens to be Afro-American. It's refreshing to see a film concentrate upon this culture without trying to dictate too many things to us about it - race is an element of this film, but it's not a particularly prominent or overblown one.

A myriad of different characters are introduced - sometimes it seems as if the film is actually relying upon the appearances of new characters in order to progress the plot, and even then some things aren't made very clear. I understand that the writers were simply trying to convey the sheer volume of the situation that Easy has gotten himself into, but its lack of tautness just gets annoying after a while. And there is a cool aura of mystery surrounding the plot until you realize that it's simply going down the all-too-familiar cinematic road of political corruption. The final theme of an average man achieving complacency through oppression is well communicated, but couldn't it have been done in a slightly more interesting/original/unique way? ... Read more

Reviews (81)

PREPOSTEROUS BUT ENJOYABLE
There are so many things in this movie that just couldn't happen, starting with a wife and non-military lawyer, defending her husband, and the inconsistencies in the plot line. However, director Carl Franklin keeps the movie going so briskly and the cast is so good, that I overlooked these and found myself enjoying the movie very much.
Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, who discovers that her husband isn't who he says he is, and then has to confront her own doubts as she tries to save his life.

Morgan Freeman is the recovering alcoholic, former military attorney, who decides to help her out and keep off the juice.
Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ) is Ashley's husband and his performance is deeply moving, yet somehow dark and disturbing.
Bruce Davison's small role as the big shot general, is coldly efficient.
Amanda Peet plays Ashley's somewhat self-centered sister to the tee, and Adam Smith as Embrey, the green lawyer assigned to the case, also does well.
HIGH CRIMES pulls a twist at the end that's kind of "cheap" but it does work.
Joseph Finder, the author of the book on which this movie was based, gives some interesting commentary on the extras, and even has a featured role in the film.
Not a bad way to spend a couple hours.

Fast Paced And Well Acted
"High Crimes" is based on a book of the same name by Joseph Finder, and is so frequently the case, the book is better than the movie. Which isn't to say that this is a bad movie; in fact, it is a very good one. In today's world, fascinated with trials and the legal system, the emphasis on courtroom events is to be expected, but as a retired lawyer with 30 years in the Courts, I find this aspect a bit ho-hum. But the underlying plot of a military atrocity being possibly covered up by the court martial of a scapegoat NCO is effectively rendered here. Ashley Judd, who I view as a B- level actress does a commendable job as the lawyer wife of the accused ex-soldier. Morgan Freeman, who I rank as an A- actor, and a favorite of mine, is excellent as the alchoholic ex-military lawyer who tries to help defend the accused, played very well by Jim Caviezel.It is a fast paced flic with a surprise twist ending that is a good effort and an enjoyable movie.

A taut legal thriller
Joseph Finder's bestselling novel comes to life in this well-made, though somewhat predictable, thriller as a savvy and love-struck lawyer is pitted against the military and its covert actions. Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, a lawyer on the way to a partnership until her husband is arrested for a military crime he swears he didn't commit. To defend him, Claire must navigate military law and threats, getting in deeper and more dangerously with every half-truth she uncovers.

The plot has fewer holes than most thrillers, although most viewers will see the "twist" a mile away. And that a law firm would jettison one of its promising stars because her husband was arrested is preposterous. Wouldn't they help in the defense? Still, given the holes in most thrillers these days, these lapses are minor. The acting is solid, with Judd creating a gutsy, smart woman who is capable of both unfaltering love and fury. Morgan Freeman does a fine job with his thin material as a once-alcoholic lawyer who is "a thorn in the military's side." James Caveziel, as Claire's husband, is less complex; his pleading got on my nerves by the end. Supporting roles by Amanda Peet (Claire's floozy sister) and Adam Smith (a young military lawyer) are adequate, though not highly memorable.

The strength of this film is in the pacing and the seamless way in which it unfolds. The issues it raises about the United States's involvement in El Salvador provide an interesting, though not fully developed, frame. Highly enjoyable, though not perfect, this film is a good way to spend two hours with a bowl of popcorn at hand.

A script with holes but watchable!
Who really believes a lawyer may defend to her husband? Weird jury. Don´t you?
But if you let that point outside , you will watch an interesting film with a bit of film noir . Freeman plays an alcoholic lawyer who suddenly must accepth a defiant case .
Ashley Judd plays a convincing role ; she ´s one of the most beautiful actress in the world and many times the camera reminds us. However the script is surrounded of smart crossroads.
Watch James Caviezel as Ron Chapman . Carl Franklin is a consistent film maker.

Great movie, Great acting!!
This is a perfect movie in every way. The acting is A++ and the plot is even better!! Ashley Judd plays the wife of a military man (Jim Caviezel) They are living a perfect life in a nice house when their world get turned upside down!! Judds husband is accused of killing a hand full of people when serving in El Salvador many years back. Judd cannot believe such a thing and she hires a lawer who knows how the military works. The lawyer played by Morgan Freeman is unsure about the case but then agrees to take it on. the story is filled lies, and threats and deception. It will keep you on the edge of your seat untill the very end, great movie top notch acting. 5 stars!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (89)

Out Of Time Review
I thought this was a good movie, again not perfect or oscar material like some of other Denzel washington work, but still enjoyable. Washington is Cheif Matt Whitlock who at the beginning makes some very bad mistakes that come back to haunt him. As he and alex (eva mendes) were on the verge of getting a divocere, he has an affair with ex-girlfriend Ann (sanaa lathan who has been in flicks like (blade, love and basketball, and Brown Sugar). This was Matt first mistake. His second mistake was when Ann went to the doctor and supposedly has cancer, decides to become the beneificary for her life insurance policy. His third mistake was stealing money for a sting operation to help pay for Ann to have surgery. Chris Harrison (Dean Caine) who was a mean and suspicious husband used this cancer situation to his advantage and get back at Matt. How does he do it? Supposedly, the Harrison's house was set on fire and they were supposedly killed. Matt last mistake was when he and Ann were supposed to meet to pick up the drug money when over to the house, where some people saw him and believed he was the culprit for this act of arson. Just like the Negotatior (the movie where Samuel L. Jackson had to prove he did not kill his partner and find out who did), Matt was indeed running out of time before all sources were to point toward him. Of course his soon to be ex-wife who involved in the case. Matt found out some interesting things concerning Ann. He found out the doctor that she saw with him is not a real doctor and that her real doctors have reported that she has always been in good health. While Matt was at the station, he lied, evade and did everything a deseperate man would do to save himself. He does have a confortation with the fake doctor and does find the Harrisons. He then finds out what all was going on. Chris might have been behind the whole plan but Ann did some role in it as well. Alex ends up coming to the aid to keep him from being killed by both Harrison's and they do get back together. Overall it was a well told story and had some interesting twists and turns in the movie. Everybody played their characters really well. I think it's worth checking out!

Out Of Time is Denzel Washington's best movie!
"Out Of Time" is Denzel Washington's best movie since and after Antwone Fisher. Denzel stars as Matthias Lee Whitlock, Banyan Key, Florida's chief of police who gets caught up in a insurance scam involving drug money from one of his most recent arrests. Sanaa Lathan stars as Whitlock's former sweetheart, Ann Merai Harrison, who he unfortunately takes the drug money out of his evidence locker to in order to have a operation to save her life and get her away from her abusive former quarterback husband, Chris, played by Dean Cain. Eva Mendes stars as Alex Diaz Whitlock, Matt's soon-to-be ex-wife, who is a detective investigating the double homicide / arson of both Ann and Chris. A witness places Matt, who, unfortunately, was outside of Ann and Chris' house during the incident. Matt, himself, is investigating the crime and has to stay one step ahead of his colleagues in order to get back the money. Denzel is superb as Whitlock, in which, he echoes his Oscar-Winning performance in "Training Day", but, with more style and charisma to his performance in this extremely well made movie. The rest of the cast are intriguing and dynamic, but this is Denzel's show, I'm afraid. Go see this movie after you see "School Of Rock". I haven't seen "School Of Rock" yet, but these are the two movies you need to see this weekend! I enjoyed this movie because it had increasingly amazing twists and turns to its excellent ending. See this movie any time you can see it!

terrible
This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. It is painful to watch because the plot is so ridiculous. Do not put yourself through watching this movie.

pretty good
We start out with a small town cop(the Chief no less) cheating and drinkin hard as his divorce is pending.The beautiful babe he is cheating with is getting beat up by her old man, Dean Cain of Superman fame. He hates the husband but loves her body. His Ex is just as bodacious and Ill never understand why he left her. Any way nothing is really as it seems as the twists and turns begin. Soon he is framed for stealin 450,000 jack he was holding from a mob bust and the murders of his main squeeze and her hubby. Now he must become a player to fool his ex(a miami cop also) the C.I.A. and his own police force. How he does it is tricky and kinda unbelivable, but our hero is down wit it. The ending can be seen coming form a mile off but, after a film full of the two babes its cool. This film is rated 3 stars.

It's been done better
Out of Time is a strictly routine mystery movie, competently made but nothing more than that. It is what I think of as "sunny noir" - a standard film noir story taken out of the gritty city streets and moved to a sunny beach community. In this case, it involves Denzel Washington as a small town police chief whose estranged from his homicide detective wife and sleeping with his old girlfriend, who is in turn still married to her abusive husband.

When Washington finds out his girlfriend has cancer, and that the only treatment is an expensive experimental treatment in Switzerland, he steals some evidence money to help her. Then, she and her husband are apparently killed in a fire, but that quickly turns out to be a con. Suddenly, Washington is stuck in a perilous place; on the one hand, he must evade his wife, who is investigating the crime and on the other, he must retrieve the money (which the DEA wants).

As stated before, this is an utterly routine movie, with little to distinguish it from a dozen or more movies that seem to cover the same ground. Washington's performance is good but nothing special; the action scenes are only moderately exciting, and in general, the writing is bland, with no real plot twists (even the "twist" of the fake deaths can be seen a mile away). The scenery is nice, but any pluses from that are more than offset by the negatives of one character, a medical examiner who seems to be there for comic relief and just winds up disrupting the tone of the film. With nothing really good to distinguish this movie, I can only rate it a high two stars and cannot recommend it for any but the most die-hard Denzel Washington fans. ... Read more

Description

From the director of ' 'Devil In A Blue Dress' ' comes a drama of life as lived in the inner city. The passion, violence, heartbreak, truth and love of Laurel Avenue. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Tremendous: All TV dramas should be this good
This is a realistic depiction of a Minneapolis black family's struggles -- WITHOUT corny melodrama and bad overacting. Great acting by, among others, Carl Franklin -- the director of the great independent film "One False Move" -- and fine background music from Minneapolis-grown Mint Condition. To tell you more about the plot would spoil things -- BUY IT! Also, collaborators Paul Aaron and Michael Henry Brown worked on the new Omar Epps-LL Cool J film In Too Deep, a police-action film that's not getting great reviews. But Laurel Avenue makes up for any shoddy work. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

A dark and spare thriller about irresistible forces headed for a collision with an immovable object. The latter is the local sheriff in a small Arkansas town (Bill Paxton); the former are a trio of L.A. drug dealers (Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Beach, Cynda Williams), who, having committed a multiple murder, head for that tiny town on the lam to hide out with Williams's family. Directed by Carl Franklin from a script cowritten by Thornton, the film contrasts the converging parties: Paxton as the eager small-timer who resents getting the high hat from the FBI and aches to prove himself; Thornton as the explosive bad guy who looks like a pussycat next to the sadistic Beach. In the middle is the subtle, low-key performance by Williams, who has secrets neither side is aware of. Compelling and energy-charged, without taking a single obvious step. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (21)

One of the best crime films ever made
"One False Move" is a lost classic that is great films on many levels, acting, screenplay, direction, mood, etc. But what makes it really special is its authenticity. In the middle of the film there is a scene of a highway patrolman pulling over a carload of suspects that could be a training film at any police academy. The patrolman does everything right, until he makes one minor but ultimately deadly mistake. The violent scenes are quick and realistic, like a punch to the gut. Bill Paxton as the erstwhile motormouth "hero" and Billy Bob Thorton as the high Strung "villian" turn in career making performances. Even the small southern town that serves as a backdrop for the movie feels totally authentic. Anyone who enjoyed "Sling Blade" or "A Simple Plan" will love this movie.

CYNDA WILLIAMS. . .enter my world!

ONE FALSE MOVE

Bill Paxton, Cynda Williams, Billy Bob Thornton, Michael Beech, 1992

Synopsis

Two men and a woman steal some money and drugs and head out from Los Angeles. Along their path, they decide to let Fantasia (Cynda Williams) go home
to Arkansas to visit her family. Little do they know that waiting for them there is a small town cop who is ready to handle whatever they bring.

My Review

This is one those little known treasures that most people would be pleasanly surprised with. It was only her second film, but Cynda Williams displays a very confident and
bold presence on the screen. She is very effective in portraying a young woman caught up is a disastrous situation. The viewer will feel great sympathy for her character. She deserved an Oscar nomination for this role.
The film was written by Billy Bob Thornton, who was married to Cynda Williams at the time.

i never get tired of this one....
i saw OFM when it first came out, over ten years back. it was on cable the other day. it still keeps me glued to the set. bill paxton, billy bob thornton, michael beach....great work. too bad this one didn't get more media and a larger audience.

Move Over "Jaws"
This review refers to DVD edtion(Columbia Tri-Star) of "One False Move".....

"One False Move" is one truely good thriller. Directed by Carl Franklin, who has a knack for bringing us some great noir("Devil In A Blue Dress"), and really engages us in the story and the characters.

Ray,Pluto and Fantasia are on the lam. They are drug dealers who just committed the most horrific murders and are heading from L.A. to a smalltown in Arkansas. The law is hot on their trail and notifies Chief Dale "Hurricane" Dixon of Star City to be on the look out for these big time criminals. Dickson is a big fan of the L.A.P.D. and is eager to get in on this big case and apprehend these ruthless thugs. But does he really know what he's getting himself in for...as his wife says "He watches TV..I read non-fiction". And..there's more...Fantasia brings with her to this small town a big secret that has our hero "Hurricane" personally involved as well.

The cast is fabulous. Billy Bob Thornton and Cynda Williams play Ray and Fantasia, the Bonnie and Clyde type lovers on the run. Michael Beach is their co-hort.He is educated, has an IQ of 150, and makes "Jaws" look like the family pet! And Bill Paxton is simply outstanding as Chief Dickson, the small town cop with big ideals. The music score is as chilling as the story and the screenplay(Billy Bob Thornton and Tom Epperson) will have you hanging on every word.

The film was nominated for and won several international awards,including an "Independent Spirit Award" for Carl Franklin for Best Director, and an "International Fantasy Film Award" for Thornton and Epperson for Best Screenplay.

The picture presented on this DVD is excellent. It has the choice of anamorphic widescreen 1.85:1 which is the intended ratio, or full screeen format. The colors and clarity were very good. The sound was good in DD 2.0, all sounds were distinguisable, but I had to keep turning it up and down throughout the movie, as the dialouge seemed to get higher and lower at times.(this film is begging for 5.1). There is commentary by Director Carl Franklin which may be viewed during the film if you choose.The problem with this is that you can not go in and out of the commentary without turning the DVD off and on. There is no "Resume Film", you would have to go to the scene selection to pick up where you left off, if you only wanted to hear certain portions of the commentary. The Tech info here and the "Special Features" listed on the case state that there are subtitles in Spanish and French. If you are needing these..fahget about it...the "Spanish" subtitles come up in English and I could not find the French subtitles anywhere. It may be viewed in Spanish though.

Four stars for the package....a terriffic and chilling story,great transfer to DVD, but let's fix up those subtitles for those who may need them Columbia....

Thanks and enjoy...Laurie

it's alright
Normally I wouldn't review a movie like this, but the reviews were a little too kind and I regretably bought it because it wasn't available at the local rental store. Anyway, I didn't think it was an undiscovered gem but decent, pretty watchable, scenes are sometimes boring and non-relavent, but quality acting and an easy to follow plot help make up for it. A little predictable too. Basically, go rent it if you've nothing better to watch. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Easy Does It!
It is the end of WWII. Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins(Denzel Washington) returns from the war to find segregation,discrimination, and a decent job hard to come by. He has used the little bit of money he had to buy a house and car, but he must find a way to keep up the payments. A job does come his way, it sounds shady, but it's seems to be easy cash, so he takes it. The job...To find a missing woman named Daphne Monet(Jennifer Beals)...seems easy enough.

Finding this mysterious woman, Easy, gets into trouble at every turn. Dead bodies start turning up all around him. The cops harass him,he uncovers political foul play, and a dark secret about the woman. Working with him is his old friend "Mouse" (Don Cheadle), who's answer to everything is shoot first and ask questions later. The "reward" for finding this woman and what she knows is growing as the answers start leading up the ladder of society. Is Easy's interest now for the money or the girl?

If you like the old style of film noir in movies like "Laura" or the newer modern film noir like "L.A. Confidential" you'll love "Devil in a Blue Dress". It's gripping, edge of your seat stuff.Director Carl Franklin and director of photography Tak Fujimoto give us a great look at this steamy side of Los Angeles in the 1940's.The musical score by Elmer Bernstein is wonderfully atmospheric, and the old rhythm and blues or"Shout and Jump" music by such greats
as T-Bone Walker and Duke Ellington are a great addition to 1940's feel. The cast also features Tom Sizemore and Maury Chaykin.

The DVD(Columbia Tri-Star) is a nice transfer. It is in widescreen, with a full screen version on the other side. Picture and colors are outstanding. The sound was good, dialouge a little low at times but still good. Features include Director's commentary during the film if you want, Don Cheadle's screen test and trailers. There are subtitles for those needing them.

All that is needed now is another EASY RAWLINS story..how bout it Denzel?..........Enjoy........Laurie

A neo-noir of the first order
A voluptuously seedy tale of blackmail, murder and double-cross, "Devil in a Blue Dress" captures splendidly the mood of the forties, and is a worthy modern equivalent to old gems such as "Double Indemnity", "The Blue Dahlia" and "The Big Sleep". Acting, writing, direction, cinematography and music are all of an par above the standards of conventional filmmaking. Denzel Washington -- (an actor who is flawless in every performance) -- is superb in the role of Walter Moseley's detective, Easy Rawlins, the classic noir type of the down-at-heel gumshoe. He receives excellent support from Jennifer Beals, Tom Sizemore and Don Cheadle as his gun-crazy help. A heady aroma of sexuality and intrigue make this one of the most absorbing of recent noir film adaptations. Carl Franklin, with a flair for suspenseful situations, directs crisply.

Devil with a lot of sexuality
Denzel and Lisa Nicole Carson [who played Carla in ER opposite Peter Benton's character] heat up the screen with their... love making doesn't really quite apply here, but let's stick that I suppose. Tom Sizemore delivers a stellar performance. The film has a sleek, stylized quality to it. Period piece. Denzel delivers as he does time and time again. A good movie, but be prepared for violence and serious sexual content.

Stylish Post-War Mystery
It's summer in Los Angeles, 1948. Ezekiel "Easy" Rawlins (Denzel Washington) returned from World War II a few years ago to a land of opportunity. He got a job, a mortgage and a home of his own. But now he has lost his job and is determined not to lose his house. A friend introduces Easy to a sleazy character named DeWitt Albright (Tom Sizemore) who ostensibly is trying to locate the former girlfriend of mayoral candidate Tom Carter (Terry Kinney) so that the couple may be reunited. Desperate to keep making his mortgage payments, Easy accepts the job of finding the girlfriend, a woman named Daphne Monet (Jennifer Beals). His search causes him to be suspect in several murders and arouses the interest of the rival candidate for mayor, Matthew Teran (Maury Chaykin). Easy finds that he is not the only person looking for Daphne Monet and that no one is exactly who he, or she, appears to be. As motives become less clear and the trail becomes more murderous, Easy calls on a childhood friend named Mouse (Don Cheadle), who has more experience in the criminal underworld and is more than willing to use force, for help. With the police, Albright, and Daphne Monet all demanding his loyalty, Easy must buy time and use his wits to unravel the mystery of Daphne's identity and uncover the scandals that will make or break the careers of two of the city's prominent politicians.

"Devil in a Blue Dress" is based on the detective novel of the same name by Walter Mosley. Screenwriter and director Carl Franklin has altered and simplified Mosley's novel for the screen and employed cinematographer Tak Fujimoto to create a stark and moody environment in sunny California. Fujimoto's cinematography looks great and is reminiscent of the film noirs of the 1940's, when the story takes place, and also does an excellent job of communicating the tone of the novel visually. The degree to which the film evokes the style of World War II era film noirs is striking considering that "Devil in a Blue Dress" is in color. This film isn't as sexy as the novel on which it is based, nor is it as effective in conveying Easy's desperation. It is, however, more tightly woven, more plausible, and more enmeshed in city politics. Don Cheedle's interpretation of "Mouse" couldn't be better. And the cinematography is a pleasure to watch. "Devil in a Blue Dress" a stylish and enjoyable neo-noir adaptation.

Uniqueness amongst Conventionality
'Devil in a Blue Dress' quickly creates a very appealing misé en scene that's constructed upon upbeat and sunlit scenery. Combined with director Franklin's dexterous dolly movements and smooth camera techniques that follow the always-charismatic Denzel Washington around the culturally diverse streets of 1948 Los Angeles, it makes you want to throw your imagination into its storyline for a few hours. With brooding and insidious male characters, beautiful and mysterious female characters, voiceover narration by the protagonist, and a gradually revelatory, detective-like storyline we get the sense that we're watching a more-colorful-than-usual film noir. There's no question that it couldn't have been setup much better; it's too bad that it slowly-but-surely dissipates away into the realm of conventionality.

As far as underrated acting goes - Tom Sizemore is spectacularly sleazy as the coldhearted DeWitt Albright and Maury Chaykin is his usually creepy self as the political Matthew Terell. Easy Rawlins (Washington) is a familiar character - he's a man who will do just about whatever he has to do in order to earn some cash, although he's proud of his dignity and won't sell himself short. He's also more amiable and compassionate than the average man is, which is what ultimately differentiates him from the bad guys of the story. The lesser-seen element here, however, is that he also happens to be Afro-American. It's refreshing to see a film concentrate upon this culture without trying to dictate too many things to us about it - race is an element of this film, but it's not a particularly prominent or overblown one.

A myriad of different characters are introduced - sometimes it seems as if the film is actually relying upon the appearances of new characters in order to progress the plot, and even then some things aren't made very clear. I understand that the writers were simply trying to convey the sheer volume of the situation that Easy has gotten himself into, but its lack of tautness just gets annoying after a while. And there is a cool aura of mystery surrounding the plot until you realize that it's simply going down the all-too-familiar cinematic road of political corruption. The final theme of an average man achieving complacency through oppression is well communicated, but couldn't it have been done in a slightly more interesting/original/unique way? ... Read more

Reviews (81)

PREPOSTEROUS BUT ENJOYABLE
There are so many things in this movie that just couldn't happen, starting with a wife and non-military lawyer, defending her husband, and the inconsistencies in the plot line. However, director Carl Franklin keeps the movie going so briskly and the cast is so good, that I overlooked these and found myself enjoying the movie very much.
Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, who discovers that her husband isn't who he says he is, and then has to confront her own doubts as she tries to save his life.

Morgan Freeman is the recovering alcoholic, former military attorney, who decides to help her out and keep off the juice.
Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ) is Ashley's husband and his performance is deeply moving, yet somehow dark and disturbing.
Bruce Davison's small role as the big shot general, is coldly efficient.
Amanda Peet plays Ashley's somewhat self-centered sister to the tee, and Adam Smith as Embrey, the green lawyer assigned to the case, also does well.
HIGH CRIMES pulls a twist at the end that's kind of "cheap" but it does work.
Joseph Finder, the author of the book on which this movie was based, gives some interesting commentary on the extras, and even has a featured role in the film.
Not a bad way to spend a couple hours.

Fast Paced And Well Acted
"High Crimes" is based on a book of the same name by Joseph Finder, and is so frequently the case, the book is better than the movie. Which isn't to say that this is a bad movie; in fact, it is a very good one. In today's world, fascinated with trials and the legal system, the emphasis on courtroom events is to be expected, but as a retired lawyer with 30 years in the Courts, I find this aspect a bit ho-hum. But the underlying plot of a military atrocity being possibly covered up by the court martial of a scapegoat NCO is effectively rendered here. Ashley Judd, who I view as a B- level actress does a commendable job as the lawyer wife of the accused ex-soldier. Morgan Freeman, who I rank as an A- actor, and a favorite of mine, is excellent as the alchoholic ex-military lawyer who tries to help defend the accused, played very well by Jim Caviezel.It is a fast paced flic with a surprise twist ending that is a good effort and an enjoyable movie.

A taut legal thriller
Joseph Finder's bestselling novel comes to life in this well-made, though somewhat predictable, thriller as a savvy and love-struck lawyer is pitted against the military and its covert actions. Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, a lawyer on the way to a partnership until her husband is arrested for a military crime he swears he didn't commit. To defend him, Claire must navigate military law and threats, getting in deeper and more dangerously with every half-truth she uncovers.

The plot has fewer holes than most thrillers, although most viewers will see the "twist" a mile away. And that a law firm would jettison one of its promising stars because her husband was arrested is preposterous. Wouldn't they help in the defense? Still, given the holes in most thrillers these days, these lapses are minor. The acting is solid, with Judd creating a gutsy, smart woman who is capable of both unfaltering love and fury. Morgan Freeman does a fine job with his thin material as a once-alcoholic lawyer who is "a thorn in the military's side." James Caveziel, as Claire's husband, is less complex; his pleading got on my nerves by the end. Supporting roles by Amanda Peet (Claire's floozy sister) and Adam Smith (a young military lawyer) are adequate, though not highly memorable.

The strength of this film is in the pacing and the seamless way in which it unfolds. The issues it raises about the United States's involvement in El Salvador provide an interesting, though not fully developed, frame. Highly enjoyable, though not perfect, this film is a good way to spend two hours with a bowl of popcorn at hand.

A script with holes but watchable!
Who really believes a lawyer may defend to her husband? Weird jury. Don´t you?
But if you let that point outside , you will watch an interesting film with a bit of film noir . Freeman plays an alcoholic lawyer who suddenly must accepth a defiant case .
Ashley Judd plays a convincing role ; she ´s one of the most beautiful actress in the world and many times the camera reminds us. However the script is surrounded of smart crossroads.
Watch James Caviezel as Ron Chapman . Carl Franklin is a consistent film maker.

Great movie, Great acting!!
This is a perfect movie in every way. The acting is A++ and the plot is even better!! Ashley Judd plays the wife of a military man (Jim Caviezel) They are living a perfect life in a nice house when their world get turned upside down!! Judds husband is accused of killing a hand full of people when serving in El Salvador many years back. Judd cannot believe such a thing and she hires a lawer who knows how the military works. The lawyer played by Morgan Freeman is unsure about the case but then agrees to take it on. the story is filled lies, and threats and deception. It will keep you on the edge of your seat untill the very end, great movie top notch acting. 5 stars!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Meryl Streep Was Robbed of the Oscar !
Meryl Streep continues to amaze me by adding another performance to her gallery of great roles. Being a guy l have to be honest to say that l cried throughout the film, especially near the end. The whole issue of cancer is a very challening topic to present on film. "One True Thing" does a fantastic job at addressing one family's struggle with the life-threatening illness. Although the film starts off very slowly, l was intrigued with the struggle and friction that exists within a family. Meryl Streep earned her 11th Oscar nomination for this performance and she is amazing. I have to say that she was robbed of the Best Actress Oscar. Gwyneth Paltrow for "Shakespeare In Love" ? Pleeeease. The bathroom scene where Renee Zellwegger helps Meryl out of the bathtub is heartbreaking to watch. And when Meryl asks her daughter to help her out of her pain is the point of the movie where l'm sobbing like a baby. I was totally blown away by the power and raw emotion of that scene. I don't want to spoil the whole movie for you but if you're a fan of Meryl Streep's work, then you won't be disappointed. And forget about getting the tissue out, bring a whole roll of toilet paper cause you're gonna need it. This movie is 5 star weeper.

One True Thing is a one true movie!
Since I became very interested in Renee Zellweger, I had decided to rent this, and I thought it was such a beuatiful movie. After learning that her mother has cancer, Ellen (Zellweger) is asked by her father (William Hurt) to come back home to care for her. At first, she refuses, but finds the strength to do go home, and in the process begins to have a more loving relationship with her mother that she never really had before. I had never watched many of Meryl Streeps movies before, but just watching her playout this character who is indeed suffering a great deal made me totally upset, and like Ellen you wish so much to want to help her even if you can't. However, when I think more of it, it really is better to have loved than to have lost. And in a very beautiful way, both Ellen and her mother found that bond which will always be with them. I wish I could review more, but in a way as I write this, I am feeling a little emotional over it. There really are no other words. Except one love: love. I guess less is more.

THE EXTRAORDINARY SOUL OF A REGULAR "HOUSE WIFE"
If there's one actress that can get into the skin of her character, Streep is it. She effortlessly portays a regular housewife, embroidering pillows and decorating cribs one minute, and being a veritable fountain of love and understanding the next! William Hurt turns in a convincing performance too, as the aloof and careless Regular Husband, while Zellweger adds a mean punch with her rich and dynamic presence.

The theme is hardly anything earth-shattering, but there's a fine line between the genuinely moving and the saccharine, and under Franklin's low-key direction "One True Thing" succeeds where many pictures fail by maintaining its dignity and, just as importantly, its honesty. You won't cry out of a sense of obligation, but because the incredible cast drive the material straight to the heart.

Highly recommended if you're in the mood for a stirring "Ordinary People" type of a drama. Keep a Kleenex handy.

Please read the book
Although the acting is very fine, this movie does an injustice to the book. The book is the story of Ellen's developing awareness, and is told very subtly. Before her mother's illness, Ellen had been seeing the world through her father's eyes. In the process of bonding with her mother, she develops a much deeper view of herself, her parents, their life as a family, and of how she intends to live. The movie comes close to reducing this complex story to a morality tale espousing the beauty of traditional feminine virtues, and makes what should be a subtle story a nearly black and white one. The problem is not that the movie differs from the book; it's that the movie fundamentally distorts the book's meaning.

Good movie
This was a really nice dramatic movie which Meryl Streep truly shines in. The movie also stars Renee Zellweger and William Hurt. Zellweger plays a workaholic who lives in New York, and goes home to visit her family for her father's (Hurt) birthday. She learns that her mother (Streep) has cancer and her father asks her to move home to take care of him, thus leaving her career, life and boyfriend behind in New York. Zellweger plays a cold character who is distant from her family, but she has to hold it together for all of them. She soon learns how much her mother does day to day, and finds herself growing with resentment towards her father who takes no part in helping or caring for his wife. He also has affairs and is emotionally distant from the family. The movie focuses mainly on the women, so you find yourself relating to them more than the father. The movie was well done and Streep stole the performance as the dying mother, nothing short of excellent work as usual. My only complaint is the way the scenes are put together. The movie starts in 1988 where Zellweger's character is talking to a lawyer, and then you watch the past and see the story interjected between these scenes, which cuts between the drama and is not very effective in my opinion. Also, in the end when the mother dies from drug overdose, the daughter believes her father did it, and vice versa. It was not explained very well or even exposed that the mother was the one who did it, it just seemed to sneak in right at the end. Overall a good movie though. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

PREPOSTEROUS BUT ENJOYABLE
There are so many things in this movie that just couldn't happen, starting with a wife and non-military lawyer, defending her husband, and the inconsistencies in the plot line. However, director Carl Franklin keeps the movie going so briskly and the cast is so good, that I overlooked these and found myself enjoying the movie very much.
Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, who discovers that her husband isn't who he says he is, and then has to confront her own doubts as she tries to save his life.

Morgan Freeman is the recovering alcoholic, former military attorney, who decides to help her out and keep off the juice.
Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ) is Ashley's husband and his performance is deeply moving, yet somehow dark and disturbing.
Bruce Davison's small role as the big shot general, is coldly efficient.
Amanda Peet plays Ashley's somewhat self-centered sister to the tee, and Adam Smith as Embrey, the green lawyer assigned to the case, also does well.
HIGH CRIMES pulls a twist at the end that's kind of "cheap" but it does work.
Joseph Finder, the author of the book on which this movie was based, gives some interesting commentary on the extras, and even has a featured role in the film.
Not a bad way to spend a couple hours.

Fast Paced And Well Acted
"High Crimes" is based on a book of the same name by Joseph Finder, and is so frequently the case, the book is better than the movie. Which isn't to say that this is a bad movie; in fact, it is a very good one. In today's world, fascinated with trials and the legal system, the emphasis on courtroom events is to be expected, but as a retired lawyer with 30 years in the Courts, I find this aspect a bit ho-hum. But the underlying plot of a military atrocity being possibly covered up by the court martial of a scapegoat NCO is effectively rendered here. Ashley Judd, who I view as a B- level actress does a commendable job as the lawyer wife of the accused ex-soldier. Morgan Freeman, who I rank as an A- actor, and a favorite of mine, is excellent as the alchoholic ex-military lawyer who tries to help defend the accused, played very well by Jim Caviezel.It is a fast paced flic with a surprise twist ending that is a good effort and an enjoyable movie.

A taut legal thriller
Joseph Finder's bestselling novel comes to life in this well-made, though somewhat predictable, thriller as a savvy and love-struck lawyer is pitted against the military and its covert actions. Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, a lawyer on the way to a partnership until her husband is arrested for a military crime he swears he didn't commit. To defend him, Claire must navigate military law and threats, getting in deeper and more dangerously with every half-truth she uncovers.

The plot has fewer holes than most thrillers, although most viewers will see the "twist" a mile away. And that a law firm would jettison one of its promising stars because her husband was arrested is preposterous. Wouldn't they help in the defense? Still, given the holes in most thrillers these days, these lapses are minor. The acting is solid, with Judd creating a gutsy, smart woman who is capable of both unfaltering love and fury. Morgan Freeman does a fine job with his thin material as a once-alcoholic lawyer who is "a thorn in the military's side." James Caveziel, as Claire's husband, is less complex; his pleading got on my nerves by the end. Supporting roles by Amanda Peet (Claire's floozy sister) and Adam Smith (a young military lawyer) are adequate, though not highly memorable.

The strength of this film is in the pacing and the seamless way in which it unfolds. The issues it raises about the United States's involvement in El Salvador provide an interesting, though not fully developed, frame. Highly enjoyable, though not perfect, this film is a good way to spend two hours with a bowl of popcorn at hand.

A script with holes but watchable!
Who really believes a lawyer may defend to her husband? Weird jury. Don´t you?
But if you let that point outside , you will watch an interesting film with a bit of film noir . Freeman plays an alcoholic lawyer who suddenly must accepth a defiant case .
Ashley Judd plays a convincing role ; she ´s one of the most beautiful actress in the world and many times the camera reminds us. However the script is surrounded of smart crossroads.
Watch James Caviezel as Ron Chapman . Carl Franklin is a consistent film maker.

Great movie, Great acting!!
This is a perfect movie in every way. The acting is A++ and the plot is even better!! Ashley Judd plays the wife of a military man (Jim Caviezel) They are living a perfect life in a nice house when their world get turned upside down!! Judds husband is accused of killing a hand full of people when serving in El Salvador many years back. Judd cannot believe such a thing and she hires a lawer who knows how the military works. The lawyer played by Morgan Freeman is unsure about the case but then agrees to take it on. the story is filled lies, and threats and deception. It will keep you on the edge of your seat untill the very end, great movie top notch acting. 5 stars!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (81)

PREPOSTEROUS BUT ENJOYABLE
There are so many things in this movie that just couldn't happen, starting with a wife and non-military lawyer, defending her husband, and the inconsistencies in the plot line. However, director Carl Franklin keeps the movie going so briskly and the cast is so good, that I overlooked these and found myself enjoying the movie very much.
Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, who discovers that her husband isn't who he says he is, and then has to confront her own doubts as she tries to save his life.

Morgan Freeman is the recovering alcoholic, former military attorney, who decides to help her out and keep off the juice.
Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ) is Ashley's husband and his performance is deeply moving, yet somehow dark and disturbing.
Bruce Davison's small role as the big shot general, is coldly efficient.
Amanda Peet plays Ashley's somewhat self-centered sister to the tee, and Adam Smith as Embrey, the green lawyer assigned to the case, also does well.
HIGH CRIMES pulls a twist at the end that's kind of "cheap" but it does work.
Joseph Finder, the author of the book on which this movie was based, gives some interesting commentary on the extras, and even has a featured role in the film.
Not a bad way to spend a couple hours.

Fast Paced And Well Acted
"High Crimes" is based on a book of the same name by Joseph Finder, and is so frequently the case, the book is better than the movie. Which isn't to say that this is a bad movie; in fact, it is a very good one. In today's world, fascinated with trials and the legal system, the emphasis on courtroom events is to be expected, but as a retired lawyer with 30 years in the Courts, I find this aspect a bit ho-hum. But the underlying plot of a military atrocity being possibly covered up by the court martial of a scapegoat NCO is effectively rendered here. Ashley Judd, who I view as a B- level actress does a commendable job as the lawyer wife of the accused ex-soldier. Morgan Freeman, who I rank as an A- actor, and a favorite of mine, is excellent as the alchoholic ex-military lawyer who tries to help defend the accused, played very well by Jim Caviezel.It is a fast paced flic with a surprise twist ending that is a good effort and an enjoyable movie.

A taut legal thriller
Joseph Finder's bestselling novel comes to life in this well-made, though somewhat predictable, thriller as a savvy and love-struck lawyer is pitted against the military and its covert actions. Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, a lawyer on the way to a partnership until her husband is arrested for a military crime he swears he didn't commit. To defend him, Claire must navigate military law and threats, getting in deeper and more dangerously with every half-truth she uncovers.

The plot has fewer holes than most thrillers, although most viewers will see the "twist" a mile away. And that a law firm would jettison one of its promising stars because her husband was arrested is preposterous. Wouldn't they help in the defense? Still, given the holes in most thrillers these days, these lapses are minor. The acting is solid, with Judd creating a gutsy, smart woman who is capable of both unfaltering love and fury. Morgan Freeman does a fine job with his thin material as a once-alcoholic lawyer who is "a thorn in the military's side." James Caveziel, as Claire's husband, is less complex; his pleading got on my nerves by the end. Supporting roles by Amanda Peet (Claire's floozy sister) and Adam Smith (a young military lawyer) are adequate, though not highly memorable.

The strength of this film is in the pacing and the seamless way in which it unfolds. The issues it raises about the United States's involvement in El Salvador provide an interesting, though not fully developed, frame. Highly enjoyable, though not perfect, this film is a good way to spend two hours with a bowl of popcorn at hand.

A script with holes but watchable!
Who really believes a lawyer may defend to her husband? Weird jury. Don´t you?
But if you let that point outside , you will watch an interesting film with a bit of film noir . Freeman plays an alcoholic lawyer who suddenly must accepth a defiant case .
Ashley Judd plays a convincing role ; she ´s one of the most beautiful actress in the world and many times the camera reminds us. However the script is surrounded of smart crossroads.
Watch James Caviezel as Ron Chapman . Carl Franklin is a consistent film maker.

Great movie, Great acting!!
This is a perfect movie in every way. The acting is A++ and the plot is even better!! Ashley Judd plays the wife of a military man (Jim Caviezel) They are living a perfect life in a nice house when their world get turned upside down!! Judds husband is accused of killing a hand full of people when serving in El Salvador many years back. Judd cannot believe such a thing and she hires a lawer who knows how the military works. The lawyer played by Morgan Freeman is unsure about the case but then agrees to take it on. the story is filled lies, and threats and deception. It will keep you on the edge of your seat untill the very end, great movie top notch acting. 5 stars!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Tremendous: All TV dramas should be this good
This is a realistic depiction of a Minneapolis black family's struggles -- WITHOUT corny melodrama and bad overacting. Great acting by, among others, Carl Franklin -- the director of the great independent film "One False Move" -- and fine background music from Minneapolis-grown Mint Condition. To tell you more about the plot would spoil things -- BUY IT! Also, collaborators Paul Aaron and Michael Henry Brown worked on the new Omar Epps-LL Cool J film In Too Deep, a police-action film that's not getting great reviews. But Laurel Avenue makes up for any shoddy work. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

PREPOSTEROUS BUT ENJOYABLE
There are so many things in this movie that just couldn't happen, starting with a wife and non-military lawyer, defending her husband, and the inconsistencies in the plot line. However, director Carl Franklin keeps the movie going so briskly and the cast is so good, that I overlooked these and found myself enjoying the movie very much.
Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, who discovers that her husband isn't who he says he is, and then has to confront her own doubts as she tries to save his life.

Morgan Freeman is the recovering alcoholic, former military attorney, who decides to help her out and keep off the juice.
Jim Caviezel (Passion of the Christ) is Ashley's husband and his performance is deeply moving, yet somehow dark and disturbing.
Bruce Davison's small role as the big shot general, is coldly efficient.
Amanda Peet plays Ashley's somewhat self-centered sister to the tee, and Adam Smith as Embrey, the green lawyer assigned to the case, also does well.
HIGH CRIMES pulls a twist at the end that's kind of "cheap" but it does work.
Joseph Finder, the author of the book on which this movie was based, gives some interesting commentary on the extras, and even has a featured role in the film.
Not a bad way to spend a couple hours.

Fast Paced And Well Acted
"High Crimes" is based on a book of the same name by Joseph Finder, and is so frequently the case, the book is better than the movie. Which isn't to say that this is a bad movie; in fact, it is a very good one. In today's world, fascinated with trials and the legal system, the emphasis on courtroom events is to be expected, but as a retired lawyer with 30 years in the Courts, I find this aspect a bit ho-hum. But the underlying plot of a military atrocity being possibly covered up by the court martial of a scapegoat NCO is effectively rendered here. Ashley Judd, who I view as a B- level actress does a commendable job as the lawyer wife of the accused ex-soldier. Morgan Freeman, who I rank as an A- actor, and a favorite of mine, is excellent as the alchoholic ex-military lawyer who tries to help defend the accused, played very well by Jim Caviezel.It is a fast paced flic with a surprise twist ending that is a good effort and an enjoyable movie.

A taut legal thriller
Joseph Finder's bestselling novel comes to life in this well-made, though somewhat predictable, thriller as a savvy and love-struck lawyer is pitted against the military and its covert actions. Ashley Judd plays Claire Kubik, a lawyer on the way to a partnership until her husband is arrested for a military crime he swears he didn't commit. To defend him, Claire must navigate military law and threats, getting in deeper and more dangerously with every half-truth she uncovers.

The plot has fewer holes than most thrillers, although most viewers will see the "twist" a mile away. And that a law firm would jettison one of its promising stars because her husband was arrested is preposterous. Wouldn't they help in the defense? Still, given the holes in most thrillers these days, these lapses are minor. The acting is solid, with Judd creating a gutsy, smart woman who is capable of both unfaltering love and fury. Morgan Freeman does a fine job with his thin material as a once-alcoholic lawyer who is "a thorn in the military's side." James Caveziel, as Claire's husband, is less complex; his pleading got on my nerves by the end. Supporting roles by Amanda Peet (Claire's floozy sister) and Adam Smith (a young military lawyer) are adequate, though not highly memorable.

The strength of this film is in the pacing and the seamless way in which it unfolds. The issues it raises about the United States's involvement in El Salvador provide an interesting, though not fully developed, frame. Highly enjoyable, though not perfect, this film is a good way to spend two hours with a bowl of popcorn at hand.

A script with holes but watchable!
Who really believes a lawyer may defend to her husband? Weird jury. Don´t you?
But if you let that point outside , you will watch an interesting film with a bit of film noir . Freeman plays an alcoholic lawyer who suddenly must accepth a defiant case .
Ashley Judd plays a convincing role ; she ´s