| Runaway Jury Check-in your brain on your way in, but don't forget to pick it up on your way out. If you don't take this movie with a grain of salt, all it will do is; 1) incite you, if you are part of the pro 2nd ammendment crowd, or 2) cradle you in it's warm pro gun control arms. Don't let it do either, because it doesn't put forward any worthy arguments - both for and against - on this issue. Furthermore, I would still be shaking my head if I took seriously the film's unabashed slur on jury consultants, and it's ridicule of the juror selection process, in it's portrayal of the fallibility and impotency of the justice system. The message it delivers, is that justice needs a helping hand, and that vigilante reprisal is a justifiable means of ensuring an impartial verdict. Not very challenging stuff! I must admit I left the cinema feeling a little warm and fuzzy, but in the cold light of day, I can see that this well-produced, well-edited, and well-acted film got under my guard. Hoffman struggles with his accent but is great overall, playing Wendell Rohr, a hard-working lawyer trying to make a difference. Hackman is excellent as empathy-immune jury consultant, Rankin Fitch. Weisz probably outshines both of them, and looks a hell of better doing it. She manages to maintain an air of mystique surrounding her character, Marlee, which later proves key to understanding her motives. Cusack easily plays his role, and as usual, makes acting look elementary. (He needs something more demanding!) The shots of New Orleans are pleasing. The director manages to capture a New Orleans which, although embracing modern technology, is still able to retain it's southern charm, and lethargic pace. The great acting, editing and cinematography do well to shield you from the fact that this film has little else going for it, including it's writing. Under the surface, it's a stretch to believe a character of Rohr's age and status is still naive about the corruptability and mercenary nature of people. Hackman's acting helped cover up his character's lack of development, but ultimately made his final scene - his comeuppance - less poignant than it could have been. Weisz's arse...errr sorry...performance, is distracting to the point where you overlook it's unlikely premise, and it's ultimate success. I see Runaway Jury as little more than a well-acted caper which should be taken with a grain of salt, to avoid leaving a bad taste in your mouth. |