The Devil's Advocate - 1997

Warner Brothers Pictures, New Regency Pictures, Kopelson Entertainment

Directed by Taylor Hackford

Cast:

• John Milton – Al Pacino
• Kevin Lomax – Keanu Reeves
• Mary Ann Lomax – Charlize Theron
• Eddie Barzoon – Jeffery Jones
• Alice Lomax – Judith Ivey
• Christabella Andreoli – Connie Nielson
• Alexander Cullen – Craig T. Nelson
• Jackie Heath – Tamara Tunie
• Leamon Heath – Ruben Santiago-Hudson
• Philipe Moyez – Delroy Lindo

Story: Kevin Lomax is having one hell of a run. Sixty four cases, no losses. He's celebrating his latest victory when he's interrupted by a black man with an offer. Come to New York City and pick a jury for trial. First class tickets, top shelf hotel, all expenses paid, and a retainer check that looks like his annual earnings. He picks the jury, the client wins. John Milton of Milton, Chadwick and Hart offers Kevin a job, if he can deal with the pressure. And the pressure will be much more than Kevin can imagine. He's thrust into one case after another, and while he knows his clients are guilty, he also knows he has to win if it costs him everything, his wife, his marriage, perhaps even his soul.

Review: Lawyers. The ideal setting for a story of good versus evil. And Pacino is the perfect man to play Milton, the head of the powerhouse law firm who seems to know everyone who is anyone. Keanu Reeves, one hell of an actor who apparently doesn't listen to advice when it comes to picking roles (The Day The Earth Stood Still remake, Johnny Mnemonic, etc.), found the right role with Pacino. The two of them go hand in hand like ham and eggs. For the toast and orange juice, add Charlize Theron and Tamara Tunie, and don't forget the strawberry jam, Jeffrey Jones as Eddie Barzoon. This cast is perfect, and the story moves quickly to keep you caught up in the action. Pacino, master of the soliloquy, is magnificent, and seems to enable the rest to bring their performances up to his level. Nudity, violence, sex, and language all make this a pass for the kids, but the grown ups ought to enjoy it. Collectible for the Pacino lovers, not so much for the rest.