Far-Fetched, But It Works

Rating: 8/10 (9 June 2002)

Keanu Reeves plays Kevin Lomax, a young Florida attorney who makes a name for himself by winning - all the time - even when defending some less than savoury characters, and even though he has to battle personal demons (no pun intended) as his conscience is continually wounded by his business. After one particularly noteworthy courtroom victory, he's approached by a prestigious New York law firm headed by - wait for it - old Satan himself, played superbly and hilariously by Al Pacino. Pacino alone makes it worth watching this movie. He shines as the Prince of Darkness. Although the movie isn't really intended as a comedy, it's a hilarious parody of the law profession as we note how easily the devil fits into this particular line of work.
A very strong cast backs up Pacino and Reeves. Charlize Theron plays Mary Ann (Lomax's lonely wife,) who is excited at first about moving to New York, then learns to truly hate the place. Jeffrey Jones puts on an interesting performance as Eddie Barzoon, the managing director of the firm - interesting because he did a pretty good job and made a definite impression even though he played a character who I thought was very poorly developed. Tamara Tunie put on a wondrously sultry and sensual performance as Jackie Heath, the wife of one of Lomax's new law partners, who befriends Mary Ann.
No doubt this is about as far-fetched as they come, but the ending - which I have to confess I didn't see coming - makes some of that understandable. It's entertaining throughout. I'd give it an 8/10.