Grand Lad!

Rating: 10/10 (8 August 2006)

This was 1997's true best picture.
James Cromwell owned this movie. It's impossible to read Ellroy's books now without imagining him in the role. They should make the others just to get Cromwell to play this role.
DeVito did an excellent job as the scandal-monger. Although I get the impression it wasn't a huge stretch.
Basinger (the films lone acting Oscar nominee/winner) showed range we didn't know she had. This was her best performance.
Spacey played his usual great role. He seems to adapt to any role perfectly.
Strathairn did an excellent job too. A quiet support.
Pearce had his best role here too. He looked a little too 'goody-goody' though.
Crowe gave his all, but I think Michael Madsen (the original choice for Bud White) would have been better. Crowe's angry looks weren't that convincing.
Great action scenes, rapid fire plot, what's not to like? Cromwell deserved an Oscar here too.