The Pelican Brief
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Movie Reviews of The Pelican Brief
Movie Review: Good book, bad movie
Summary: 2 Stars
I was excited about seeing this movie because I had read the book, which was pretty decent. I always like to read the book first, and then see the movie. This movie, however, does not do justice to the book. First, the acting was very bad. Actually, it wasn't very bad, it was awful. I can't believe these other reviews that talk about how awesome the acting was from Roberts and Washington. Personally, I think Denzel Washington's acting is over-rated in every film he's ever made. The characters were just not believable. Secondly, there are several good parts from the book that are left out of the movie, or are not explained. For example, Victor Matiesse is not even seen in the movie. There is a very good scene in the book that adds a lot to the story about an agent visiting Matieese, and one of his goons stealthily kills the fibbie. That would have been great if it were included in the movie. The movie explains the killing of the justices in much more detail, and explains that they did not want the FBI protection; the movie portrays the FBI as a bunch of little schoolgirls. There are so many plot holes in the movie, that I can't see how anyone who hasn't read the book would understand what's going on. I really like Julia Roberts, but this is not one of her better films.
John Grisham has written a good novel, don't use this movie to base your opinion of his work. He writes very well though-out novels and develops the characters well, he also does a good job of explaining what is going on. This is just a very bad adapatation. I should have saved myself 2 and a half hours and picked up another Grisham novel.
Movie Review: Relax and Enjoy
Summary: 4 Stars
This is one of my favorites among several films based on John Grisham's novels, the others being The Firm and The Client. None is a great film but all three are consistently entertaining. Grisham's skills are those of a storyteller. There is little (if any) character development. However, as is also true of many of Hitchcock's films, the leading characters become involuntarily involved in a process of discovery and soon find themselves in harm's way. Young law student Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts) completes what she calls "The Pelican Brief" without fully realizing how threatening and potentially dangerous its contents could be to the administration of an incumbent president played by Robert Culp. She becomes a fugitive, eventually aided by Gray Grantham (Denzel Washington), a newspaper reporter who helps her to gather the additional information she needs to (literally) save her life. Most of the time, the narrative moves along at a brisk pace. Roberts and Washington deliver solid performances as do John Heard, James B. Sikking, and John Lithgow. I'm not damning with faint praise when suggesting that although this is not a great film, it's worth seeing again from time to time...unlike so many others both you and I could name.
Movie Review: Could've been briefer.
Summary: 2 Stars
A case of Alan Pakula trying to relive the glory days of *All the President's Men*. Problem is, *The Pelican Brief* is based on a pot-boiler by John Grisham, who, if the movies based on his stuff is any guide, couldn't concoct a plausible plot to save his life. Therefore, the "Woodstein"-style paranoia gets diminished by our incredulity. It's amazing how much Pakula had forgotten since 1976: in *President's Men*, the eponymous "men" of the title seem the more menacing because we never actually meet them . . . here, the President Himself (poorly played by Robert Culp) is a major character. The script makes him out to be such a manipulated idiot that it's hard to believe he could've ever been elected, let alone be at the center of a Byzantine plot to rid the Supreme Court of a pair of Justices who are inconveniently environmentalist. But the real doozy is at the heart of the narrative: a pretty young thang (Julia Roberts) makes some wild speculations about who was REALLY responsible for the Supreme Court murders, PUTS IT TO PAPER in order to impress her professor/lover (a surprisingly good Sam Shepard), who passes it on to his old college buddy, who happens to work for the Effa-Bee-Eye. Somehow the Pretty Woman's essay circulates all through the FBI, and eventually shakes the foundations of power in the White House itself. Naturally, the President (well, his Machiavellian chief-of-staff) puts a contract out on Pretty Woman. She eludes them all -- The End. Puh-leeze. Well, at least the movie is expertly directed and handsomely photographed, proving that Pakula hadn't forgotten EVERYTHING, after all.Movie Review: Fasten Your Seatbelts.......
Summary: 4 Stars
This review refers to the Warner Bros 1997 DVD edition of "The Pelican Brief"....."The Pelican Brief" is a poltical thriller that will keep you invovled from beginning to end. It teams legendary Director Alan J Pakula("Klute"/All the President's Men") with equally legendary mystery writer John Grisham("The Firm"/"The Client"). Then add these names into the mix...Denzel Washington, Julia Roberts, Hume Cronyn, Sam Shepard, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and a score by James Horner, and you've got yourself a great recipe for a well made film. And although I did not find it as compelling as "All the President's Men" or as suspenseful as "Klute" or "The Firm", I did find myself, thanks to the great acting, becoming totally involved with the characters and the storyline.
Here's the story...Two Supreme Court Justices have been assassinated. Brillant law student Darby Shaw(Roberts), who has a passion for constitutional law, decides to start do a little investigating of her own concerning the deaths. What she finds is too frightning to even believe. She prepares a brief, that winds up in the hands of government officials, and pretty soon anyone involved winds up in the mourge as well. Darby goes on the run fearing she is next and doesn't know who to trust. The only one she can turn to is investigative reporter Grey Grantham(Washington). The two race to prove her theory as they become the hunted as well.Lots of great action and intrigue keep the story going.
The DVD is very good as far as the quality of the picture and sound. The widescreen presentation, lets you see all the action,the picture is clear and colors bright and sharp.The Dolby surround brings it all right into the room with you. The only problem I had with the DVD was having to turn it over after 1:17 into the film. I did notice though in the technical info that the release date of the DVD is 2/4/03. I have had mine much longer and although it appears to be the same DVD, perhaps they rereleased it. Maybe renting it first would answer that question. Not much in the way of "Bonus Features". There are some production notes, including how the cast prepared for their indivual roles(in which we are assured that Stanley Tucci, who plays an assassin, did not go out and kill anyone!), and there are some previews of other films made by Alan J Pakula.
I would reccommend this film to anyone who is a fan of Grisham, Pakula, Roberts or Washington, or if you just enjoy a good thriller.
Get the popcorn ready and get ready to jump!.....enjoy...Laurie
Movie Review: Exciting legal thriller
Summary: 4 Stars
A bright law student scribbles a theory, called the "Pelican Brief", about the assassination of two Supreme Court Justices that hits a bit too close to home. Suddenly, everyone she speaks to ends up dead, while an arrangement of sketchy characters lurk around every corner. Darby Shaw, the young lawyer, tries to outwit everyone and eventually ties her fortunes together with Gray Grantham, a reporter with the Washington Herald.The movie is a fun legal thriller that will give your heart good exercise. 'Yikes' moments are in plentiful supply, and the colourful characters add a compelling element that keeps you interested and excited.
The acting is well done. Denzel Washington (Gray Grantham) plays his role wonderfully while Julia Roberts (Darby Shaw) sparkles. They both play well off of each other, and there is a chemistry that reaches the audience.
If you like John Grisham's novels, you should see the movies, including this one. Well adapted from the book, the plot line and characters follow the novel honestly, and nothing of lasting significance is taken away in the making of this movie.