Cast: John Travolta, Robert Duvall, Stephen Fry,
James Gandolfini, Dan Hedaya
Directed by Steven Zaillian
Based on a
true story. Jan Schlichtmann, sensing a quick settlement to avoid
negative press, takes on a couple of multimillion dollar companies on
behalf of a handful of families who lost their children in a case
involving polluted water. The companies do not want to succomb to
his demands, instead letting the trial progressknowing the upstart
injury lawyer would not have enough money to prosecute them fully.
Facing bankrupcy, Schlictmann must make the choice to settle before
the trial breaks him financially or proceed in an effort to bring out
the truth behind the deaths.
Brilliantly
directed by writer/director Zaillian, here in only his second turn in
the chair. Top-notch performances by all, with Duvall turning in a
particularly memorable performance. The film is based on a true
story, but it does a superb job in keeping you guessing how it will
turn out in the end. The only downside comes from the relative
unimportance of the case, but it's still engaging. The quality of
the talent is so good, it's doubtful to believe this material could
have been better handled. Well-crafted, gripping and
thought-provoking entertainment.
Back to
Qwipster's Movie Reviews
<