Francis Coppola tries John Grisham. It's not one of Grisham's big thriller pieces more a series of different plots centered around a young poor lawyer (Matt Damon in an early leading role). He romances a sweet little domestic violence victim (Clare Danes, being regularly thumped by Andrew Shue), goes to work for an ambulance chaser (Mickey Rourke) teams up with another ambulance chaser (Danny de Vito). lives with a little old lady (Teresa Wright) who has shonky rellies, and a family with a son who has leukemia (Mary Kay Place).
There's a lot of poor white trash: wife beaters, ruthless ambulance chasers, eccentric old ladies, sexy but noble alcoholic turncoat witness (Virgina Madsen). There's also rich white trash: insurance company lawyers, the insurance company (Roy Schneider). Plus noble white trash: kid with terminal illness, domestic violence victim. And a noble black judge (Danny Glover)
It has a sleepy, ambling pace - it takes 50 minutes for de Vito and Damon to set up their own business, which is really where it could've started. I think this is why it wasn't a big hit.
Terrific photography, great acting. Everyone is on form. It's another Australian film from Coppola - well acted meandering. The violent bits perk up. This was okay, just long.
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