SUSPECT
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 1996 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): **
SUSPECT (1987) is an involving film, but one that is peppered with actions that are either implausible or at least highly improbable. If your ability to suspend disbelief is strong, you will probably find yourself enjoying some of the courtroom drama and thriller aspects of the film - numerous flaws and all. None of the acting is great, but it is fairly compelling, and director Peter Yates (from THE RUN OF THE COUNTRY) knows how to make entertaining films.
In SUSPECT, a Washington DC judge commits suicide and his secretary is killed. A homeless person Carl Wayne Anderson (Liam Neeson from ROB ROY) is accused of killing her for the nine dollars in her purse. Anderson is assigned to overworked public defender Kathleen Riley (Cher). Anderson attacks and hurts her as well as some of the guards. Soon however, they find out he is "deaf and dumb" and a Vietnam vet with a troubled past. He never learned to sign since he had no one to talk to.
The show switches to the capital where lobbyist Eddie Sanger (Dennis Quaid from THE RIGHT STUFF) does everything including sleeping with a Congresswoman to get her vote. Sanger is called to be on Anderson's jury. Although he tries to get off, he is unsuccessful. In a show full of unbelievable actions, he falls for Riley and starts investigating the case on his own. He meets with her on the sly to share his ideas on how to approach the case. Sure.
Meanwhile, Riley is being stalked by a religious fanatic and homeless person. He threatens to kill her with a knife. Making her life equally miserable is a Republican judge, Judge Matthew Helms (John Mahoney from PRIMAL FEAR), who for some mysterious reason wants the trial over quickly with no delays no matter how valid Riley's reasons. Yes, this show is quite predictable. If a Hollywood screenwriter makes a point of labeling someone a Republican, the wardrobe department might as well have him wear a black hat through the rest of the picture.
The music by Michael Kamen is sappy. Whenever the director needs extra tension, and Eric Roth's script can't provide enough, Yates turns to the composer to crack up the violins. Actually, the script gets almost laughable at points. After complaining about not seeing a movie in a year and not being able to have a kid because she is too busy to date, Riley laments, "I spend all of my day with murders and rapists, and what's really crazy, I like them."
Even with the ridiculous script, I managed somehow to like the performances by Cher and Quaid. One of my favorite small actors Joe Mantegna (from HOUSE OF GAMES) plays prosecutor Charlie Stella. As for Neeson, this is one of my least favorite of his films. His performance in it does nothing for me.
I could probably write an article just on the flaws of the show. Among those not already mentioned are the fact that Riley somehow immediately knows that Anderson is left-handed. She also talks to him expecting to be heard when she is not looking at him. Since he doesn't read lips and can't hear, this makes it a little difficult. Nevertheless, he seems to be able to hear part of what she is saying anyway.
Typical of the show, the ending comes out of left field. A fun show to watch in parts, but one where they feel the audience is not smart enough to see through all of the ridiculous contrivances in the plot.
SUSPECT runs a little long at 1:58. It is rated R for some violence and a little bad language. It would be fine for any teenager and maybe kids a bit younger. This is a somewhat enjoyable but frustrating show where there are just too many unbelievable parts for me to be able to recommend it. I give it **.
**** = One of the top few films of this or any year. A must see film. *** = Excellent show. Look for it. ** = Average movie. Kind of enjoyable. * = Poor show. Don't waste your money. 0 = One of the worst films of this or any year. Totally unbearable.
REVIEW WRITTEN ON: August 28, 1996
Opinions expressed are mine and not meant to reflect my employer's.
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