Scanialara
You won't be disappointed!
Actuakers
One of my all time favorites.
Numerootno
A story that's too fascinating to pass by...
Dana
An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.
shakercoola
Two attorneys are representing different sides of a settlement case running into millions of dollars, potentially tens of millions. One would represent a group of car owners, the other an automobile manufacturer. The plaintiffs' cars exploded due to a bad component and this has caused injuries and fatalities. Maverick radical lawyer and ambitious big firm shark lawyer are also father and daughter respectively, and they don't get on. But this isn't just a battle of wits. Young vs Old. Although the screenplay is quite dense in law lingo, it feels authentic, and it involves a lawsuit with a powerful ethical slant. The subtext is about forgiveness and change, and the rule of law that must win the day. It's not a nail-biter but it is surprisingly effective, with two great actors giving good performances.
SnoopyStyle
Jed Ward (Gene Hackman) is a hard-nosed lawyer taking down corporations. He gets a class action lawsuit against an automaker after some cars explode. On the opposite side is his estranged daughter Maggie Ward (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). She is ambitious eager to push for partnership in her firm. They don't get along since she discovered his cheating. She also claims that he abandons his clients after winning his cases. He had maintained his marriage. His wife Estelle tries to bridge the gap between father and daughter but she dies suddenly. Nick Holbrook (Larry Fishburne) is Jed's longtime assistant.These are two top class actors. Director Michael Apted asks them for family dysfunction and they deliver. The movie lays out the situation but it doesn't have much movement after the mother's death. The court case is basic and has limited drama. The personal drama also doesn't make much movement. This is a movie with a world of potential but does little more than expected.
filmaven-2
You won't see a better film depiction of greedy corporations that value profits more than people. It is also an honest representation of soulless corporate defense attorneys who prostitute themselves for their corporate client. They will do anything it takes, legal or illegal, in order to win the case and keep their client happy as well as keep their millions in yearly legal fees rolling in.Of course, it is a dramatic movie, not a documentary, and not everything is realistic. It is difficult to believe that a small boutique law firm such as Gene Hackman's has the resources to quixotically battle the defense firm representing the defendant auto manufacturer. Also, Hackman being opposed by his daughter strains credulity. It may have worked in a comedy when Tracy & Hepburn were husband and wife on opposing sides (Adam's Rib) but here it is a bit of a distraction. But it may have been necessary to humanize the film rather than only focus on the banality of evil of large corporations.
AbeStreet
Sometimes I'm left with the impression that viewers think all films should be award winning material, as though the goal and worth of a film can be judged by the amount of award nominations it generates and brings home. I disagree, a good film should entertain, and that is what this film does very well. Nice on location sets give the film an authentic and attractive feel. The acting is top notch. The two main overlapping stories, the father & daughter relationship and the legal battle, tie in very nicely. This is a solid film that draws the viewer in and keeps his/her attention until final scene. There are many ways to waste two hours, this film is not one of them.
