Runaway Jury

            Like other screen adaptations of John Grisham's novels, this is a fast-paced thriller set around a Southern court case.  This time it's a victim's family vs. the gun industry and the venue is New Orleans.  The gun industry was a switch from the tobacco industry used in the novel because of a 1999 film, Insider, that had already used a tobacco industry case.  A hint about the plot is contained in a statement by one of the key characters, Rankin Fitch, a professional jury 'fixer' hired by the gun manufacturer.  He says, "Trials are too important to be left up to juries."

            The tension in this story builds nicely as the trial gets underway.  There are dirty tricks, underhanded deals and some illegal ops.  There is even a chase scene, although it's on foot.  However, true to form, Grisham takes us down a path we don't expect, which adds to the complexity and interest during the resolution phase of the trial and the story.

            A great cast contributes to the success of this film.  Gene Hackman plays Rankin Fitch, a really bad guy with a big staff, lots of money and gobs of high-tech tools.  I love watching Hackman, the villain.  He has an evil laugh that's priceless.  Dustin Hoffman plays Wendell Rory, the prosecuting attorney.  It's funny to see these two guys together, because Hackman is about three feet taller than Hoffman.  This is the first time they have been in a film together although they have been friends for years, were both at the Pasadena Playhouse together in the early 50s, and were both voted 'least likely to succeed'. 

            The third man in the triad of interaction is Nicholas Easter played by John Cusak.  Cusak has done a variety of roles, not as many as Hackman, but getting there.  He's close to 40 and he's been doing films for twenty years.  He was a perfect choice for this role that requires the clever finesse.  His love interest is Marla played by Rachel Weisz, who was a match for Cusak, but I liked her best in her confrontational scenes.  She's an English actress and lives in London.

            There is one segment in the Special Features section I highly recommend.  Click on 'more' and select Of the Cuff.  This is a live interview with Hackman and Hoffman in which they talk about their friendship, their careers, how they got started and some funny events in their lives.  The preceding segment called Exploring the Scene is also interesting.  It's all about a key bathroom scene that was added after the initial shooting.  Again, Hackman and Hoffman talk about how they prepped for it.  It includes a lot of live rehearsal footage that I found interesting.

            Reviewed April 28, 2005

            MPAA: Rated PG-13 for violence, language and thematic elements.