What's your Price?

Rating: 7/10 (26 November 2007)

When you're in the mood for something unsubtle but visceral, it pays off to give "The Devil's Advocate" a spin.
I have to admit it has a style that's relentlessly 'over-the-top', so to some that might be a turn-off, but I like it because it's really easy to watch. It has a nice flow to it, which must be down to Hackford's direction.
Plus, you get to see Al Pacino chewing scenery! Everyone criticises his 'shouty' acting, but it makes me feel really alive when I see a performer get that passionate in their work. James Woods is another guy who has that manic quality going on, too, and it's riveting when they're in full flow. I can't take my eyes off them.
Keanu Reeves is often mocked for his lack of expressiveness, but this time his casual manner is the perfect foil for his co-star's maniacal air of mischief.
Ultimately the movie abandons all attempt at any kind of moral/legal parallel by the finale, choosing instead just to give Al space for his personalised, paraphrased riffs on Paradise Lost material, so if you're expecting consistently sensible and thought-provoking, then you're probably at the wrong gig. If however you only seek to be lavishly entertained, then surrender to your inner hedonist and dive right in. You may not respect yourself for it in the morning, but hey, tomorrow's another day. "Live for the moment!", as the devil on your left shoulder would say... :-)