The Pelican Brief

Starring: Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington, Sam Shepard, John Heard, Tony Goldwyn, Stanley Tucci, Hume Cronyn, John Lithgow
Directed by: Alan J. Pakula
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Thriller, Drama
1993

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A law student (Julia Roberts) uncovers evidence of a conspiracy behind the assassinations of two Supreme Court justices. Her life is in danger, and she turns to an investigative reporter (Denzel Washington) to help her.

Review:

Tim: John Grisham novels often make terrific transitions to the screen and this one continues that tradition. In some ways, this is one of Grisham's bigger and more ambitious stories.

Julia Roberts is very good as a law student caught up in something bigger than she ever imagined. I like the casting choice of her in this role. Denzel Washington is fantastic as an investigative reporter. While both are tremendous actors, the real success comes when you pair them together. They are pure dynamite on screen. The supporting cast is pretty extensive and provide good performances as well.

This film is very intense and incredibly interesting in a way that all of Grisham's movies are. You'll be thoroughly entertained throughout. One downside to the movie is that it is a tad too long. There are a few scenes that could have been cut for time's sake. The movie also takes far too long to get going. Once it does, it is pretty incredible, but it takes some time to hit its stride.

In the end, this is a Grisham law thriller- that immediately gives you a pretty strong guarantee that this is well worth your time. Adding in Roberts and Washington puts this on your must-see list. Although a few flaws prevent it from being exceptional, you should still enjoy yourself.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Firm, The Client, A Time to Kill, Runaway Jury