Devil's Advocate [Blu-ray] [1997] [US Import]

Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves) is a success in the courtroom and out of it. He's a young Florida defense attorney who has never lost a case. No matter how repugnant the crime, no matter how guilty the defendant, Kevin Lomax has the power to mesmerize the jury into accepting his arguments, buying into his logic, being convinced by his charisma; and freeing his clients. Soon after he has successfully won the case, where he defended an obviously guilty child molester, Lomax is invited to New York, where a powerful law firm has become aware of the Florida hotshot's acquittal record. Here he meets John Milton (Al Pacino), the founder and head of "Milton, Chadewick, Waters", a mysterious and powerful law firm with contacts and clients all over the world. It is this charismatic and charming man that opens the door to a completely different world; a world of luxury and pleasure, wealth and power; a world of endless possibilities. This is heaven on earth. But as Lomax tastes the power of being a wealthy New York attorney, something in him changes. Winning is no longer just a goal; it becomes an obsession. Soon he starts to realize that things are not what they seem to be; and all the things he once had and cared about -a happy marriage with Mary Ann (Charlize Theron), his relationship with his mother, all his happiness - everything disappear amidst the sparkling illusion of paradise. He suddenly realizes that Heaven and Hell can co-exist at the same place and at the same time.

I do not intend to reveal anything else since all of the interesting surprises will be presented in the intense and inspiring climax. This is probably Reeves' best performance. He manages to create a believable character - a kind of example, a role model for the American way of life. Kevin's wife, Mary Ann, is most likely the hardest character to play, since she goes through a complex and difficult emotional evolution. From being strong, devoted and ambitious (a female copy of her husband) to vulnerable, hurt and on the verge of madness. Charlize Theron gracefully floats into this character. The most interesting of performances and characters is John Milton - the essence of Kevin Lomax's temptation. Al Pacino is nothing less than astonishing, an award worthy performance that is as good as anything seen this year.

An inspiring thriller, visually stunning as well as thought provoking, 'The Devil's Advocate' should be viewed with an open mind.

One of my faves of all-time this movie. Very sophisticated movie, and when first watched I thought "how can someone think this stuff up!!??" Where Jesus was god in the flesh - Pacino is devil in the flesh walking the earth...Reeves is the devils son, but doesn't yet know it!! Quite a deep movie. You'll have to watch twice or thrice before understanding it.

Young hotshot Florida lawyer Kevin Lomax is lured to New York to work for a powerful law firm run by John Milton. With his wife Mary-Ann in tow, everything at first seems idyllic. But Mary-Ann starts to see unpleasant things and all may not be quite what it seems with Milton and his all powerful operation.

Starring Al Pacino {Milton}, Keanu Reeves {Kevin} and Charlize Theron {Mary-Ann} and directed by Taylor Hackford {An Officer and a Gentleman}, The Devil's Advocate is adapted from the novel written by Andrew Neiderman. Going for a more traditional style of story telling as opposed to a heavy effects laden one, Hackford's movie was met with a mixed reception by critics and horror aficionados alike. Not surprisingly, because although it has horror elements in it, the film is more a cunningly crafted thriller embracing ethics, power, sex and prestige. All structured around a classical type villain and his new favourite protégée. A touch overlong, the film however is always interesting, be it Mary-Ann's slow decent into borderline madness, or the legal and court room morality on show. There is a lot to take in and enjoy here, even stuff to admire.

Pacino gives one of his effervescent performances as Milton, and it's not hard to see why he was tempted in to take on this role. He gets to swagger with a glint in his eye, and the finale gives him license to shout a lot. Vintage Pacino really. Reeves is the perfect foil to Pacino's scene stealing's, and a pre-famous Theron is gorgeous and really heartfelt in what is the films pivotal character. Good support comes from Jeffrey Jones, Connie Nielsen and Craig T. Nelson. To leave a good film working from a good source story, to which The Devil's Advocate rewards if one can lower horror expectations and expect a more genre molded picture. 7/10