Criminal Law (1989)
Ali Giron, Gary Oldman, Joe Don Baker
After getting blue-blooded client Martin Thiel (Kevin Bacon) acquitted of murder, defense attorney Ben Chase (Gary Oldman) suffers a crisis of conscience when he learns that Thiel is not only guilty but an icy serial killer to boot. Torn between professional ethics and an obligation to safeguard soc... (read more) After getting blue-blooded client Martin Thiel (Kevin Bacon) acquitted of murder, defense attorney Ben Chase (Gary Oldman) suffers a crisis of conscience when he learns that Thiel is not only guilty but an icy serial killer to boot. Torn between professional ethics and an obligation to safeguard society, Chase opts for the middle ground and soon becomes enmeshed in a dicey cat-and-mouse game.
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R, 117 min.
Directed by:
Martin Campbell
Release Date: Apr 28, 1989
DVD Release Date: Jun 12, 2007
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Both Kevin Bacon and Gary Oldman are true masters in this one. The movie is like a symbolic piece of art made from elements of action, suspense, and psychothriller. And to finish it off, there is a very thoughtful metaphor used in the final scenes th... (read more) Both Kevin Bacon and Gary Oldman are true masters in this one. The movie is like a symbolic piece of art made from elements of action, suspense, and psychothriller. And to finish it off, there is a very thoughtful metaphor used in the final scenes that leaves you staring at the credits thinking 'Wow..'. AWESOME.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!
A solid star and a half is my rating, and considering I give no inches if they don't deserve it. The direction by Campbell who would subsequently direct two James Bond movies is very good, but not spectacular. Bacon is okay, I've see... (read more) SPOILERS AHEAD!!
A solid star and a half is my rating, and considering I give no inches if they don't deserve it. The direction by Campbell who would subsequently direct two James Bond movies is very good, but not spectacular. Bacon is okay, I've seen my share of serial killers in cinema, and have read about real serial killers too, and his characterization did not impress me, although he was good enough for the part. The real star here is Gary Oldman, who has a depth, and plays a young lawyer with authenticity, energy, and originality. Basically my whole rating goes to him mostly. The screenplay is pretty good, and it keeps you guessing about what's next.
The negative points which hinders this film in getting more praise from me are ; grainy photography, lack of realism in Bacon's character, and no brutal killing scene is ever showed, we only see the dead bodies. Not enough tension in the courtroom, the sex scenes are hot, but we don't get to see enough skin, the tunel under the ground linking the park to the closet, is very far-fetched to say the least. Towards the end I just wanted it to end, so this is not good, means it drags.
Overall this sexy thriller is fun, but one viewing for me will be sufficient. The strong point which makes this film entertaining, even if it drags at times, is Gary Oldman's portrayal of the young smart hot shot defense lawyer, and from experience because I have been represented by a defense lawyer myself, his characterization is top-notch, too bad Kevin Bacon was chosen as the antagonist, I would have casted a bolder more authentic creep, not this preppy face taunting Bacon. Kevin Bacon is not a bad actor, but here he does not complement Gary Oldman to enhance Oldman, but distracts more, than reinforcing the story.
The story is original, but there are some plot-holes, why does he wait so long to kill his mother ? And why isn't it explored in the story that he would have had a psychiatric history ? The victims are women who had abortions, or who practiced abortions, we are thus a little desensitized about them, I was, and the killer is more taunting and ridiculously cliched in some ways, his actions make sense from his disturbed childhood, but did I believe it while I was watching this movie ? No I did not believe him (his character).
If you like in movies to see stuff on ; serial killers, the law, the justice system, and a damn good young lawyer with balls. Then this film will enchant you, otherwise you might as well just pass.
It had me for about the first 20 minutes, then it completely lost me, never to get me back.
`Criminal Law" is a textbook example of a movie going wrong before our very eyes, because of the curious failure of the filmmakers to realize that you can toy with an audience only so long before the audience grows resentful.
this has the style, feel, and tone of a great thriller. however, casting oldman as the hero was a blunder, the performances are subpar, and the plot is assanine.
gary oldman is excellent as usual, and far overdue for an oscar, very 80's-esque feel.
Not even Gary Oldman can save this. It's so boring that it put me to sleep. Twice. Tired shit with some skewed view of morality and vigilante justice. Gary Oldman's hair is fun to watch, I guess.
This movie is a mediocre 80's thriller which I would have rated much lower if not for the acting skills of Gary Oldman and Kevin Bacon. Two comments: 1) I haven't seen Tess Harper in any other movies. Does she always have the appearance of a talkin... (read more) This movie is a mediocre 80's thriller which I would have rated much lower if not for the acting skills of Gary Oldman and Kevin Bacon. Two comments: 1) I haven't seen Tess Harper in any other movies. Does she always have the appearance of a talking wooden dummy? 2) One of the worst lines I've ever heard is delivered by Joe Don Baker playing a detective as he warns Oldman to be careful about trying to trick Bacon - "One thing I can tell you about crazy killers...they ARE crazy...and he WILL kill you."
If it wasn't for the moral of the story and the ever captivating Oldman, I'd have rated this courtroom thriller lower. A bit bizarre and hard to follow with several lulls in the middle, particularly in pace and characterization - if we are meant to s... (read more) If it wasn't for the moral of the story and the ever captivating Oldman, I'd have rated this courtroom thriller lower. A bit bizarre and hard to follow with several lulls in the middle, particularly in pace and characterization - if we are meant to sympathize with a main character, it's a tough choice between a naive, morally confused twit of a lawyer or a deranged, bloodthirsty crusader with an equally bankrupt view of the world - but Bacon's turn as a quietly scheming, threatening maniac is well executed. Quick bursts of violence pop seemingly out of nowhere, which may perhaps be the movie's sole redeeming quality as it reflects the view of the criminally insane as unpredictable and inexplicable. All in all, a largely forgettable piece striving for a gravity and importance beyond its reach.
kevin bacon psikopat katil rolunde cok iiydi, film zaman zaman temposunu kaybetse de, ii sayilir...
Fans of Oldman and/or Bacon should definitely check out this all but forgotten legal thriller from the late 80's. The plot's kind of so-so, but the two leads make it interesting. The final scene especially has a chill to it; the underlying meaning ... (read more) Fans of Oldman and/or Bacon should definitely check out this all but forgotten legal thriller from the late 80's. The plot's kind of so-so, but the two leads make it interesting. The final scene especially has a chill to it; the underlying meaning of which only comes across in the eyes of these two great performers.
no one else seems to like this movie, but i am a huge fan of oldman & bacon and thought this was great.
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