The Devil's Advocate (1997) User Reviews

What makes this movie very disturbing at the same time makes it amazing

[DVR_Brale · 8/10 · 29 July 2016]

Evil promises everything but gives away nothing. This quote, which I like very much, sums up the point of The Devil's Advocate.

In this movie skillful lawyer goes to New York to pursue career of his dreams. He makes many compromises with his conscience on the way and even starts to neglect his romantic relationship.

It's really unbelievable that this movie isn't more popular than it is. It's got all the elements of a serious, adult thriller. It is true, however, that this is a very disturbing portrayal of someones life going down the spiral. What makes this movie great, makes this movie disturbing and vice versa.

We've all seen many movies devoting to much time to unnecessary violence only to disturb you, not to utilize it so that story line actually benefits from it.

However, all the violence, nudity and disturbing material in The Devil's Advocate fit nicely with the plot. I don't remember anything disturbing not being in concordance with moral of the story - that is to point out to viewer how the Evil actually operates.

Now recall the book of Genesis chapter 3, verse 1: "Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made."

Many movies have portrayed Satan as an ugly, violent monster often not intelligent enough. This movie portrays the Evil one as it actually is: intelligent, subtil, patient, taunting, masquerading as the angel of light. And one more thing: He hates God. His true call is to convince people loving God does not exist.

If you're looking for a movie which provocatively raises philosophical and theological questions in a way a book never could, look no further.

It's All A Matter Of Free Will

[bkoganbing · 9/10 · 7 July 2007]

You will never hear the devil's viewpoint argued better than in and by The Devil's Advocate. Although Keanu Reeves holds his own in this film, this piece of cinema is an Al Pacino show.

Pacino must have loved playing the devil, it shows in every word, in every gesture in his performance. Since Marlowe and Goethe cooked up Faust, the devil has had a great group of players taking on the part. People like Ray Milland, Ray Walston, Walter Huston have all done well with old Scratch, but no one ever tops Pacino in this.

That's probably because through cultural and religious restraints, the devil HAS to lose in the end. In this film, it's not necessarily the case. Keanu argues the Bible says he loses in the end, but Pacino says quite properly, consider the source.

Keanu Reeves is a hotshot trial lawyer from Florida who has rung up sixty three acquittals of various folks arrested. He's come to the attention of a very powerful law firm, headquartered in New York and they want to take him in. The senior partner is Al Pacino, a most mysterious fellow who moves among the rich and mighty with ease.

Just how powerful Reeves has no idea and why Pacino is so interested in him particularly is also a puzzle. The reasons are quite shocking when he finds out.

Although a talented supporting cast was gathered for this film, Pacino just overpowers this group with his performance. Even Reeves who actually has more screen time can barely keep pace.

And the ending has to be seen to be believed. Let's just say that old Scratch has more tricks in him than Harry Houdini, David Blaine, David Copperfield and all the rest of that magician crowd put together.

As he says, vanity is his favorite sin, it apparently is what trips mankind up every time, individually and collectively.

All Quality Elements of a Magnificent Movie!!!

[EdwardsMovieKit · 9/10 · 2 July 2006]

I watched this movie on DVD. It will be enough for me to mention that there had been no other movie where I'd had to pause the play in mere awe at the magnificence of the storyline! At a point, It was as if I could see my jaw on the floor praising in thorough amusement the brilliance, relevance-to-our-daily-lives, deepness of message, sophistication, great portrayal, top-of-the-class creativity, marvelous acting/directing/screen writing all having come together in a movie, which called for a rating of 9 out of 10 and no less, certainly, undoubtedly.

Al-Pacino's acting is to no surprise as brilliant as ever, exuding confidence, proficiency and clarity as always. Keanu Reaves leaves a great master-play in his work, meeting up to the acting skills required in displaying a character of wisdom, success, love and perhaps, of vanity. Charize Theron too puts up a play of passion in its right.

But what amused me more than all were the great and fantastic script-lines thrown around. All very meaningful and interesting indeed. The whole movie got me stunned and fixed at the edge of my desk seat, but the favorite part for me has to come at the end, where the theme of the movie comes to words and finds a chance as of clarifying itself in one the most brilliant ways I as one have ever seen possible! Recommended for everybody willing to enjoin on a meaningful story and a blend of excellent plays... surely a 9/10.

astonishing then, astonishing now

[weckker · 10/10 · 13 September 2010]

I saw this movie back in '97 in the theatre. It was running just a week after Cameron's Titanic. I remember the crowds that rushed to see Titanic, and an almost empty room when this movie was playing. After seeing this I thought how unbalanced is this creativity (originality) vs big budget blockbusters on one side, and the number of viewers on the other side. Later I realised that blockbusters are for the masses, and interesting movies like this one are for the few who can see beyond the FX and the small little girls tears. I was just a kid back then. I watched it again last night. And although I knew the ending, it was an awesome ride, and the ending gave me the same shivers as the fist time. If you haven't seen this one - go get it, if you have - watch it again. It never gets old, nor boring.

The Most Underrated Film of the '90s

[boognish-6 · 10/10 · 4 April 2006]

The reviews for "The Devil's Advocate" were not too kind, to say the least. But what did the critics refuse to see in this? With movies nowadays being nothing but flashy, over-the-top, masturbatory, CG-fests, "The Devil's Advocate" holds up like osmium.

The cinematography is good because it's quite understated and that's a virtue in today's cinema. The acting, while containing pretty lame Southern accents, is still pretty good. Even from Keanu, dude.

Sorely forgotten in it's day, the script tells a very deep, original and interesting story, with lots of development, respect for the characters, delicate pacing, and a head-spinning ending. The movie is solely about the people and their struggles. Fear takes hold of the audience through the dialogue.

Think of "The Devil's Advocate" as Woody Allen trying his hand at a horror/thriller and succeeding. This movie never makes you jump, but it puts you in a general state of discomfort through it's atmosphere. As with all memorable supernatural dramas, this one handles its spectacle with discretion and grace.

Isn't that what we hope to see when we watch any movie? 10/10

this is how you make a thriller

[Special-K88 · 12 April 2002]

Stylish, sexy, suspenseful thriller stars Reeves as an accomplished southern lawyer who's never been beaten; he travels to New York City to take a job with powerful legal mogul Pacino, but his once ideal life is soon turned upside down as he's plunged into a surreal, demonic world of lust, temptation, and vanity. Slick writing, direction, and an array of startling scenes, breathtaking effects, and dazzling performances make this an imaginative thriller quite unlike any other. Reeves gives one of his finest performances to date, aided immeasurably by a wild, wickedly over-the-top performance from Pacino and a first-rate supporting cast. Not for all tastes, but highly watchable indeed. ***½

I saw the Devil!

[v_haritha_in · 7/10 · 11 August 2014]

This movie addresses the old question; is a lawyer doing the right thing by defending a criminal. However, it finds a novel way of presenting its idea. Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves)is a young and successful attorney, in fact so successful that, as we are reminded time and again in the movie, he has never lost a case. He takes up the case of a man who is accused of molesting a child, thinking that he is innocent. Midway through the case, Lomax discovers that the man is in fact guilty and though he is a little disturbed, he helps secure the man's acquittal. Thus, he begins selling his soul to the Devil, both figuratively and literally.

He is immediately offered a much better opportunity at a mysterious organization owned by John Milton (Al Pacino). His job becomes increasingly stressful and he has to defend some shady people. Determined to maintain his record, he abandons his scruples and neglects his wife (Charlize Theron). Can Lomax ultimately redeem himself?

Keanu Reeves does a decent job as the title character but, it is Al Pacino who steals the show. He is a brilliant Devil. His real identity is not kept secret from the audience for long; the movie title and certain incidents give it away. Charlize Theron is spot as a woman descending into madness. Connie Neilson and Tamara Tunie are good supporting villains.

The atmosphere for the movie has been carefully created. The sets are rich but seem to symbolize vanity and are somehow depressing. Most of the cast are pleasing to the eye yet the character they portray are either unhappy or evil. And New York is a perfect location for this tale

Pacino, Reeves and Theron in a movie well worth seeing.

[triple8 · 9/10 · 15 April 2006]

SPOILERS THROUGH:

At first I thought I was watching "The Firm" meets "Rosemary's Baby" and gradually realized it was something else entirely. The Devil's Advocate is a really good, quality film that manages to be both highly thought provoking and tremendously entertaining at the same time. I really enjoyed this a lot.

The three main performers are all at their best. This film was made before Theron became such a big name and she is as good in this as everything else she's in. She actually steals the movie a few times and more then holds her own with the likes of AL Pacino.

Then there's Keanu Reeves. Although his performance has received some not so good reviews, I liked him in this role and thought he does his best work here. Keanu is suited to a certain type of role and he was perfect for the role of Kevin. As mentioned, this movie reminded me, at first, a little of "The Firm" and I certainly thought Reeves was better in his role then Cruise was as Mitchelle Mc.Deer in "The Firm". Just my opinion but I thought it was great casting.

And then there's Pacino. Absolutely and completely superb. This is one of the best roles, if not the best, I have ever seen him play and could anyone else really have been as perfect for the role as Pacino? This was a movie where the casting definitely helped make it what it was.

One thing I enjoyed so much about The Devil's Advocate is how one doesn't know what will happen moment to moment. In the world of movies, it seems the majority are at least somewhat predictable. Not so in Advocate. It was so very nice to actually be surprised. And not surprised once either. The movie has several zingers which I never saw coming and that's a great challenge in movie land. Advocate was definitely up to that challenge.

Then there's the cinematography which was excellent and the story itself which is provocative and thought provoking in it's tale of vanity and human corruption. And though it has a long running time it seems much shorter then it actually is. And the movie has humor as well and that humor makes for some great moments, the conversation between Pacino and the two knife wielding men on the train for example.

Devil's Advocate comes close to a 10 for me, though not quite. There were some plot holes and things I didn't understand. Also, though the humor in Advocate was usually outstanding, it was weakened when the film got a little to campy at times which didn't go with the rest of the movie, especially since so much of Advocate was genuinely creepy. This is probably a film best seen more then once and there are several things that are open to interpretation.

Then there's the ending. Althoughh this is not the type of ending I like In most films AT ALL, for some reason it fit here. And by the time the film ends, one is in such a high state of anticipation to see what's gonna happen, and so into the movie, that it's ending is almost OK. I say almost because I still think the ending could have been a little stronger but that's just a minor complaint. I'd give this a 9 of 10 and really recommend it.

The Devil Inside of All of Us

[alexkolokotronis · 6/10 · 1 March 2008]

The Devil's Advocate was just something different. It did not try to be deep and certainly did not take itself seriously making it good. It fortunately just follows its own path and throws you into a whole different world.

The acting in the Devil's Advocate was average. Keeanu Reeves was horrible as usual but Al Pacino fit his character perfectly. He seemed to have more fun with this role more than any other movie he has been in. He portrayed all the temptations we have inside of us. He kind of gave a glimpse of what type of person you would be when giving into those temptations and how it will just transform into something that is not human at all. Charlize Theron also gave a very interesting performance as she falls apart because of her loneliness and paranoia. The only problem I had with her performance is that she seemed as if she had some sort of southern accent at the beginning but it quickly vanished as you get deeper and deeper into the movie.

Directing, cinematography and writing were all good. Especially the cinematography making you feel as if not only the characters becoming more and more corrupt but as if the camera in which is looking into this story is being corrupted as well. So much of this happens it feels as if this movie just spins out of control which is probably a mistake of the director.

This movie does not portray the devil as a horrible crime riddled thing. It shows that the devil is inside of us and that devil is our temptations. Are temptation run through every little thing; Money, power, relationships and anything else that could give us a thrill. It shows that if we give into to our temptations it will not only reflect ourselves but become us.

A beguiling experience

[ereinion · 9/10 · 1 April 2005]

This is one of the most intensely dark and beguiling movies I have seen. The purpose behind it is to create a moral drama about the fight between good and evil in a man, or the devil's everlasting quest to conquer man's soul. In retrospective, there are few movies I've seen that bring out such strong feelings in me. Specially the first hour. We follow a young couple, played by Reeves and Theron in her first big picture, who move to New York from the south when he is given a job as attorney in one of the biggest firms in the country. We see the change come in Kevin as he is introduced to a world of luxury and pleasure by his boss, THE DEVIL, played by old master Al Pacino.

The ending brings a new, unpredictable and great twist to the story. I will not give it away. The supporting cast is pretty strong, specially Jeffrey Jones who plays a senior partner in Lucifer Pacino's firm and who first arises the suspicion in Kevin/Keanu with his mysterious behaviour, and Connie Nielsen as Cristabella, an extremely hot Italian colleague who is the very symbol of temptation. Nielsen looked even better here than in "Gladiator" and her performance is also more interesting. Charlize Theron displayed her range here for the first time, showing she had a great potential to become a star with her mix of ethereal beauty and acting talent. Reeves was also very good as the hotshot attorney and his looks elevated his macho hero potential. Al Pacino didn't disappoint, but his performance here counts as one of his least spectacular.

This is a dark movie with elements of horror and some gore and sex thrown in for good measure. I think Taylor Hackford never did it better. He gave us something to ponder on while entertaining and scaring us at the same time. It is a film one can't forget.9/10

I will definitely have to see this again.

[lee_eisenberg · 7/10 · 2 April 2006]

Movies about people getting involved with the Devil are quite common, but Al Pacino's deadpan performance makes this one especially cool. True, Keanu Reeves is a strange choice for a person who started out in Florida - especially since he still sounds like the guy from the "Bill & Ted" movies" - but he also does a good job. I am going to have to watch "The Devil's Advocate" again, just to see where...well, you'll see what I mean if you watch it. When this movie came out, I had never heard of Charlize Theron (although she had already starred in "That Thing You Do!"), but she showed the same chops that she would later bring to "Monster" and such movies. All in all, a really cool movie; you may never look at anything the same way again after watching this.

Vanity definitely IS my favorite sin...

Vanity, my favorite sin

[bsamdahl · 9/10 · 21 February 2002]

The Devil's advocate is one of those movies you watch the first time just to see the climax, then with repeated viewing you pick up on the message of humanity and sin. Al Pacino plays the role of Satan in a very powerful and believable manner. The exchange between Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino towards the end of the film may upset a few people's religious beliefs. Al Pacino as Satan really makes you think and nod your head in agreement. Warning....Al Pacino is so convincing he may make some people start questioning their own beliefs. Keanu Reeves is at his best when confronting Satan as if he is playing poker with him. In the end he succumbs to vanity as all humans do from time to time. I think that Keanu portrayed the stages of Kevin Lomax well. He goes from a small town southern lawyer who never questions why he never loses a case, to a big city attorney who hears revelations from his mother about his father and sees his wife commit suicide. In the end, Kevin Lomax uses one of Satan's lines, "free will", against him. This is an excellent film worth seeing again and again.

Still a great movie...

[paul_haakonsen · 7/10 · 23 January 2024]

Of course I have seen the 1997 movie "The Devil's Advocate" before. But truth be told, I needed no persuasion to sit down and watch the movie again here in 2024, as I had the opportunity to do so.

Writers Andrew Neiderman, Jonathan Lemkin and Tony Gilroy put together quite an enjoyable and entertaining script and storyline. It is a narrative that is parts drama, thriller and mystery, which actually played out quite nicely. And there is something unique about the storyline which makes the movie watchable again and again.

The movie has a very impressive cast ensemble, with some pretty good talents. You know what you are getting into when you have the likes of Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino in the leading roles, and they do deliver here; especially Al Pacino, he was phenomenal in the role of John Milton. The movie also have the likes of Charlize Theron, Jeffrey Jones, Judith Ivey, Connie Nielsen and Craig T. Nelson on the cast list, among many other great talents.

"The Devil's Advocate" has a few special effects throughout the 144 minutes that it runs for, which helps promote the narrative quite nicely. It is not a movie that relies heavily on special effects to tell its tale, nor does it rely on special effects to be an effective movie. Instead, director Taylor Hackford makes usage of carnal situations to cement the elements of pleasure and lust that drives John Milton and his surroundings.

I will say that "The Devil's Advocate" is the type of movie that you just have to watch, because it definitely was one of the more memorable and defining movies of the late 1990s. And it is quite an entertaining storyline in the movie.

My rating of "The Devil's Advocate" lands on a seven out of ten stars.

First third is pretty good but devolves into a horror cringefest with moral lessons for 3 year olds

[suchalad · 3/10 · 8 April 2023]

I couldn't help myself but to mock certain characters during "dramatic", violent scenes because it was the only way i could cope with how awfully cringe this movie was at times. It stars out with a more nuanced vibe and has some really cool scenes where all this mystique and devil stuff is being hinted at but the longer it goes on, oh boy. It's about as deep and profound as a plate with water on it yet it's played as such an over the top grandiouse style as if (even in 1997) this was suppose to be somewhat interesting philosophy. I'd say the target audience is edgy 13 year olds. Al pacino had some cool dialogue when he wasn't going over the top, the ending was somewhat sweet and pacino's final remark was funny. It's a shame because i during the first 1/3rd or so, it seemed like such a cool movie but it turned really edgy really fast. After the 4th,5th,6th,7th,8th time the wife was having a breakdown and dumb Keanu was being super super dumb and ignorant, my eyes were rolling back into my skull.

Be careful what you wish for

[Snoopymichele · 10/10 · 21 July 2006]

When Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves in a very good turn) is lured to New York City to work for the powerful and persuasive John Milton (Al Pacino in one of the best performances of his career), the world is his oyster. He has a dream job (given to him because as a defense lawyer he has never lost a case), a beautiful wife (Charlize Theron in head-turning performance), and a luxury apartment (which his wife nearly drives herself crazy trying to decorate).

But the longer he is in New York, the more life is not as it seems. His wife is going crazy, he has to defend a wealthy man accused of murder who appears to be guilty, and his boss is the Devil Himself.

The movie has a tension to it that begins with the first scene, and crescendos to the confrontation between Lomax and Milton-and the ending is one of the best in recent cinema history.

Pacino, who is as over-the-top as he's ever been seems to be having great fun with this role-he roars onto the screen and is mesmerizing throughout the film. His Milton is seductive, persuasive, powerful and he draws you in. His monologue at the end of the film is unforgettable and thought-provoking. Reeves gives one of the best performances of his career and his Kevin Lomax is a classic example of a little fish trying to swim in a big ocean with the gigantic sharks. He is vulnerable, but blind to this fact. His values and morals are challenged, and he struggles to keep control of his life.

This is a film that I have seen time and again, and it just keeps getting better. The music and cinematography are simply amazing. This film is a keeper.

Keanu Reeves as a bad-ass lawyer from hell.

[tessvanbrummelen · 10/10 · 15 June 2013]

The acting (Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino and Charlize Theron) was brilliant.

This film is scary as hell.

Favorite quotes:

"It's not a dream if it's true."

"Your belly's too full, your dick is sore, your eyes are bloodshot, and you're screaming for someone to help!"

"It's the goof of all time. Look but don't touch. Touch, but don't taste. Taste, don't swallow. Ahaha."

"Diaboli virtus in lumbis est. Diaboli virtus in lumbis est. The virtue of the devil is in his loins."

"Vanity, definitely my favorite sin."

wow

[forever_dream_chaser · 22 April 2002]

this movie received many many bad reviews, including personal opinions of friends of mine ... however, the premise, script (although thin at times) and finished product were all amazing ... keanu reeves gives an extremely surprising performance ... when it starts off he is every character he has played, not a bad character actor, but not over the top, just a regular guy... but as the story progresses his ability takes on a transformation and he really astonishes ... of course, al pacino's performance goes without saying; he is a genius in any and all of his movies ... and charlize theron is at her best as she often is in her films ... however, despite both pacino's and theron's talented performances reeves is the one to watch ... look out for the change in him ... it is completely awe-inspiring...

Guilty as Sin

[kenjha · 6/10 · 4 July 2010]

A hotshot Florida lawyer is hired by a powerful New York law firm. Pacino is tailor-made for the role of the larger-than-life owner of the law firm. Reeves is miscast as the whiz kid lawyer who's in for more than he bargains for; his performance is so wooden that one can see every acting muscle being flexed to no avail. Theron and Nielsen are fine as the love interests. The film is reminiscent of "Rosemary's Baby," but is not as compelling as that film. Starting with an intriguing premise, it is engaging enough for the most part, but becomes increasingly ridiculous, including a contrived finale that seems to have been tacked on as an afterthought.

One of Favourite Movies

[mjw2305 · 10/10 · 19 January 2005]

Kevin Lomax (Reeves), a hot shot lawyer who's never lost a case. A master at getting the guilty acquitted, despite his belief in their guilt.

Mary Ann Lomax (Theron), Kevin's wife who dreams of a family and languishes in her husbands success.

And of course John Milton (Pacino), the head of the most powerful law firm in the world.

Milton recruits Lomax to his law firm and rewards him with the mega wages and the standard of life he and his wife have been longing for. An instant success Lomax becomes the hot property of the legal world, while Mary Ann continues to only dream of the family she so desires. Ill at ease and suspicious of everyone and everything, she begins her decent into madness, while Kevin continues to dominate the courtroom, with the aid of the brilliantly manipulative Milton. As the story unfolds, Kevin becomes seduced by the power Milton affords him, and Mary Ann becomes increasingly insane; or so it appears.

In a truly fantastic climatic sequence, Lomax learns the truth about himself and his family, and he tries one final shot at redemption (an attempt to spit in the Devils Face) that doesn't quite work out as he had hoped.

The secret to the appeal of this movie is the subtle visuals that project you into Mary Ann's state of mind, the seductive and manipulative methods used by the superbly cast John Milton, and the climax that is revolutionary to say the least.

An absolute masterpiece 10/10

Prepare to be gobsmacked!

[ringbearer87 · 10/10 · 17 December 2003]

What a surprisingly rewarding film. I have not watched a film that is so engaging for a long while. I had never even heard of the film before and only saw it by chance on the shelf at the video store. I am glad I picked it up as I enjoyed every minute of it. The Devil's advocate is heavy viewing, it is not a light cinema experience, yet it is rewarding in it's heaviness. It is very clever depicting the devil realistically and giving a totally truthful example of how people can un-knowingly be sucked in by evil. The film though dealing with a unrealistic concept is totally believable due the the fantastic acting by all involved. Keanu Reeves gives the performance of a life time, he is perfectly cast opposite Charliez Theron who is also very impressive. The two posses an obvious chemistry. I recommend you see this movie ASAP!

So, the Devil is running a lawfirm....what's so surprising about that?!

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 13 February 2022]

"The Devil's Advocate" is a very well made film, I won't deny that. But, oddly, at the same time, it's a most unpleasant movie...and after a while I was looking forward to it ending.

When the story begins, Kevin (Keanu Reeves) is winning yet another case as a defense attorney. In fact, you soon learn that when he worked as a prosecutor, he never lost as well...an amazing record. So, it's not all that surprising that a huge and very prestigious New York lawfirm would come looking for his services. Little did he realize that the man in charge (Al Pacino) is demonic....though since he's a lawyer, I found this part pretty easy to believe.

Through the course of this film, you see Kevin repeatedly making bad choices and losing his soul. But how this happens...well, that makes the film a bit hard to watch at times. I could say more...but it's a very adult film and occasionally very unpleasant.

This is a hard movie for me to rate. Technically, it's well made. The acting, direction and look of the film are great. But the story itself is so downbeat and unpleasant that I can see the picture is not for everyone, that's for sure.

Entertaining As Hell!

[Movie-ManDan · 9/10 · 9 December 2014]

Pun intended for the title. While not many horror factors are incorporated, the constant subjects of the devil and hell and death are very creepy. But they are fun too.

Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, two of the best actors on God's Green Earth, pulled off very sick devils. As an actor, playing either God or the Devil is one of the highest callings. De Niro pulled off a pretty sick devil in 1987's Angelheart. Ten years later, Pacino dazzles us with his own devil. Reeves is the movie's main character, but it is Pacino that steals the show. While Angelheart is a straight-up horror movie, De Niro's devil is simply scarier than Pacino's, as this is a thriller with a horror undertone. I also found this to be a better movie.

Pacino plays the devil who is the head of the world's most powerful law firm located in New York City. He recruits Keanu Reeves, who's 64-0 record proves he can punish the guilty one day then make the guilty look more innocent than a child the next. Reeves and wife, Theron, move to a lavish New York life, too good to be true. Reeves is unaware what's on the line as everything of his could go straight to hell.

This really gives lawyers a bad name. Sadly, it is true. Sometimes, lawyers can be bad people as they free monsters. This Gothic fairly tale makes fun of this theory in an-over-the-top way, that is thrilling, fun, and scary. This was done before Keanu Reeves sold out and Pacino started doing good and bad movies, so both actors do mighty fine jobs. Supporting actors such as Charlize Theron and Craig T Nelson are just as good.

3.5/4

too ambitious and too long

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 15 August 2015]

Florida defense lawyer Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves) has a perfect record. He is angered when he realizes his client is guilty. Nevertheless, he destroys the victim on the stand. He is married to Mary Ann (Charlize Theron) and his religious mother Alice disapproves. John Milton (Al Pacino) recruits Kevin to his NYC law firm. The couple is given a massive apartment and lots of money.

Al Pacino seems to be having a lot of fun with lines like "They don't see me coming." He's great at being Satan. The movie is too ambitious. It wants to be a horror like 'The Exocist' or 'Rosemary's Baby', but it doesn't have the tension. It tries to be a character study but Kevin is too arrogant and too dumb to be appealing. It's also too long. This should be better especially with Pacino enjoying himself. The final twist is also problematic and is a cheat on the rest of the movie.

Charlize Theron has a nice body

[kenny194 · 2/10 · 5 April 2000]

That's about all I can say about this movie that is positive. Her and Keanu's sister. I saw this movie in the theater, and have seen it twice since, and I still can't figure out what people see in it. It's just plain awful. The dialogue, and the acting is completely abominable all around. Keanu's lack of emotion is unusually irritating, as is Pacino's shouting for no reason, and Charlize Theron....gets naked. People consider this a good movie, and I will forever be baffled as to why.