THE CLIENT
A film review by Michael John Legeros
Copyright 1994 Michael John Legeros
Directed by Joel Schumacher Written by Akiva Goldsman, Robert Getchell, based on the novel by John Grisham Cast Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee-Jones, Mary Louise-Parker, Anthony LaPaglia, Anthony Edwards, Ossie Davis, Brad Renfro, and J.T. Walsh MPAA Rating "PG-13" Running Time 120 minutes
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THE FIRM was soft, THE PELICAN BRIEF wasn't, and THE CLIENT is a trial. Why is John Grisham so hard to make into a movie? Three, count 'em three different filmmakers have attempted to best the bestselling author and, with the lastest loss THE CLIENT, three strikes have made little more than one out.
The story is straight-forward and easy-to-follow and doesn't have one scene of anyone going crazy in a copy room. The plot is about a eleven-year old Tennessee boy (Renfro) who may be the key to a Memphis mob murder. He won't talk to the Feds and barely cooperates with his lawyer (Sarandon). That is, until the mob sends some men to "tie up loose ends." Even though no one actually says that in the movie.
Brad Renfro and Susan Sarandon are the stars and they have good chemistry and are more believable than either Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts. Renfro, in particular, is politely unpolished and a refreshing change for smoother child actors.
With the exception of Ossie Davis--who chairs the film's sole exciting scene--the rest of the cast is a waste. Yes, even Tommy Lee Jones. But they all do drawl within the lines; sometimes even sounding like bad Elvis impersonators.
Speaking of which, I counted a total of eight references to The Big E. There may be more. Uuuh-huh.
THE CLIENT has some good local color and the occasional flash of humor, but, considering the competition, is hardly deserving of your summer movie dollars. There's nothing exciting here.
Anyone up to again adapt Clive Cussler? Surely no one remembers RAISE THE TITANIC....
BOTTOM LINE: This is the guy who's going to direct BATMAN FOREVER??
Grade: C-
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