24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Race Against Time, December 31, 2002
Clint Eastwood plays reporter Steve Everett,who puts his job on the line and his family on hold to prove the innocence of an unjustly condemned man. He was given the story as a human interest piece,a story that was to depict the last few hours in the life of Frank Beechum(Isaiah Washington).He is at odds with his editor and is warned not to turn the story into a "Dick Tracey investigation".
Steve is alot of things. He's an alcoholic(on the wagon),a womanizer, and lacks in the qualities needed to be a good father and husband to his family. But one thing he does have, is his reporter's instinct. He has "his nose" for the truth. He senses something fishy about the case which has already gone through numerous appeals,and with only hours to the execution, starts digging around, and takes us on a thrilling ride as he tries, up to the very last second, to save Frank from the death penalty.
There is another storyline that runs parallel to the main focus of the film. The two families each going through their own personal anguishes. Frank's family, his wife and little girl, going through the agonizing last few hours with him, and Steve's wife and child must deal with his indiscretions and inattention to his own daughter.The wives played by Lisa Gay Hamilton and Diane Venora are expert at showing us the emotional states they are in. The little girls played by Penny Bae Bridges and Francesca Fisher-Eastwood(his real life daughter) are also terrific at making emotional demands on their Daddies at a time of crisis.
Eastwood's expertise behind the camera, as well as his powerful on screen presence combined with a terrific cast and crew to bring us a thrilling and moving story.Many wonderful performances add to it. James Woods, Dennis Leary and Bernard Hill to start with. Frances Fisher(the film is a bit of a family affair)plays the D.A., Michael Jeeter and Michael Mckean also give fine performances, and to my delight Christine Ebersole makes an appearance as well as the legendary William Windom(check behind the bar for him).Music by Lennie Niehaus and photography by Jack Green are the icing on the cake.
The DVD(WB) looks and sound great.It is presented in the original theatrical widescreen(matted), the picture is perfect and distingishable even in the darker scenes.Colors are pleasing and vibrant, and the sound excellent in the Dolby5.1 Surround.
There are a number of Special Features, including Behind The scenes Documentaries, a video by Diana Krall, and a compelling story told by a real reporter of a real life experience similar to the story(although this film was not based on that).See tech info for complete list of extras.
This is Clint's 21st film as a director. He has a way of reaching an audience that touches the humanness in us that only gets better with each film...enjoy...Laurie
also recommended:
Absolute Power
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
CLOCKWORK OAKLAND, April 28, 2000
At least two scenes of TRUE CRIME should stay in my memory for a very long time : the visit at the zoo with Clint Eastwood shouting "Speed Zoo" and "We're going fast" while pushing his daughter on wheels and the scene involving Clint and James Woods for a conversation about women, ethics and capital punishment : two great actors for a moment of pure pleasure.
At first, TRUE CRIME could be considered as another movie about capital punishment. Well filmed, with a good rythm and convincing actors, this movie is the perfect movie to rent. But take a second look at TRUE CRIME and you won't be disappointed. This movie can be seen one, two or three times, it will still unveil a lot of goodies. One can admire how Clint Eastwood compares with subtlety the destiny of Steve Everett and Frank Beechum by using descriptions of similar situations : for example, the two little girls harassing their fathers with multiple demands at a crucial moment. Let's also observe how Clint uses a clever editing to pass from Beechum's cell to Clint's scenes : cigarettes, paintings (the green pastures) for instance are themes that bind the two destinies.
I strongly recommend this film which is another masterpiece in the exceptional directorial career of Clint Eastwood. Sound and images perfect for me with above-averages extra-features.
A DVD for your library. At least, I hope so !
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must See Movie!, September 2, 2000
When I first saw the trailer, I thought this was going to be a boring movie. But once I saw it, I just had to get the word out that this was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The movie is filled with suspense, great acting, and a wonderful plot/story. It's about an innocent man saved from the death penalty at the exact moment. To enjoy the movie you must see it with the proper settings and without distraction. Otherwise, you won't enjoy it as much. The movie has a lot of big names in the movie including Clint Eastwood, who produced and directed this movie, Dennis Leary, and etc. Happened to see Absolute Power, directed by Eastwood, but this movie is a much superior film. Eastwood definitely redeemed himself in this one. So go watch this great film.
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