NoFace for Film

Title: The Devil’s Advocate
Year: 1997
Director: Taylor Hackford
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, Charlize Theron
Rated: R

NoFace for Film rating: 5 out of 7

For years I avoided this film because it had Keanu “duh” Reeves in it, and as gorgeous as I find him, I just don’t care for his acting abilities, or lack thereof. However, after much convincing by my boyfriend, I finally decided to give it a shot. And while I still wasn’t impressed by Mr. Reeves, Al Pacino made up for the younger man’s deficits in the acting department.

Kevin Lomax (Reeves) seems to lead a charmed life. He’s a young, hotshot Florida defense attorney who has never lost a case. He also has a beautiful and loving wife, Mary Ann (Theron). While celebrating the win from his last case, Kevin’s approached by a representative from Milton, Chadwick, and Waters, one of the largest, most successful law firms in New York City. Kevin is asked to help the firm with jury selection for a trial. During their time in New York, Kevin and Mary Ann are given the full red carpet treatment, and both enjoyed it so much that when the firm asks Kevin to join full-time, he readily accepts. What the couple don’t realize is that their lives are about to change dramtically for the worse.

Faithul to its subject content, The Devil’s Advocate is a sexy, sultry, seductive film with an -ahem- devilishly great cast. New York City has never looked so enticing. Reeves and Theron have a lot of chemistry onscreen, acting most of the time like they’re newlyweds. It’s cool to see this film with a pre-Oscar Theron, because you can tell what she’s capable of. Even with her small, stereotypical role as the wife, Theron holds her own against veteran actors Reeves and Pacino. Speaking of which, the legendary actor is in fine form as the loudmouthed, bombastic, snarky, arrogant John Milton, who is interested in Kevin for reasons other than his skills in the courtroom.

As much as I enjoyed The Devil’s Advocate, I do have one major complaint- the ending. I was rather disappointed by it. I won’t reveal what happened, but let’s just say that the entire film heads towards this particular ending, but then a twist occurs. I feel that the ending undoes the message and feeling of the entire film, and I didn’t care for it.

Regardless, if you’re in the mood for a sexy thriller with some very good looking people and an over-the-top Pacino, then check out The Devil’s Advocate.

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