Criminal Law (1989)

Criminal Law

Criminal Law is a classic. This is a great film to watch. Gary Oldman is great! Kevin Bacon is awesome! This film deals with some serious subject matter, but if you can get thru that then you won't be disappointed. I've read some other reviews on this film (not all good). But films are for our entertainment, and I was entertained! August 30, 2007

Criminally Insane

I had this on VHS for years so you can imagine I'm thrilled to have it available on DVD now. I know a number of people that enjoy this movie. Any critic that thinks this movie lacks wit is criminally insane. This is a fine thriller with Gary Oldman and Kevin Bacon turning in excellent performances. When a Boston attorney, played by Oldman realizes he has got his client off a murder charge when he was guilty, he tries to figure out away to make retribution. But the killer, played by Bacon, isn't going to make that easy at all. If you enjoy this be sure to catch "The Juror" and "The Client". August 15, 2007

Olman as Youngman

Oldman is the real focus of this movie for me, this must be an early film of his and he's as good in this role as he is as a more mature actor. I find him able to handle any role or character type that comes his way.
Kevin Bacon is OK as the twisted son of a mother who does threapeutic abortions (pro- lifers this is not an arguement pro or con just a description of the character his mother portrays).

The premise is set up pretty good and the finale' is an ironic twist that helps give the movie some further attachment to its title.

I rate it 4 because there have been better performances in other films by both lead characters. July 13, 2007

Interesting analysis of morality

Interesting analysis of morality. Kevin Bacon plays a man whose sense of right is so out of touch with society that he may be a criminal. If you look past some of the classic Joe Don Baker dialogue ("Son, in all my years of police work, I've learned one thing: a crazy killer is crazy. And he will kill you.") you might just see an interesting portrait of a people who are willing to pay the consequences of their actions in order to do what they consider the right thing.

IF I remember correctly, this film was the topic of about 4 of my papers in college. June 12, 2007

Unintentional comedy!

This movie review is based on the Laser Disc, not the DVD. Seeing how this is not available on DVD, and not even being sold by outside sellers tells me that they may never have released it on this format. That, based on my memory of the quality of the Laser Disc release, does not surprise me in the least.

I had this movie on Laser Disc purchased for me by an ex-girlfriend, and definitely shows to me her lack of fortitude in choosing movies based on their quality. But, who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth.

I thought this was the most asinine movie. It was schlock full of loose strings, un-explaineable (though the tried) plot twists, and complete lack of plot logic. I thought a defense lawyer was supposed to defend you? Right? And I thought that all lawyers sign an ethics agreement to support and treat the client with all due respect. Maybe I'm not using the right terms, but what the hell!

Gary Oldman is a defense lawyer, and defends and gets a defendant off (Kevin Bacon) and supposedly, figures out Kevin is actually guilty of the former and a new crime, and suddenly becomes the defender of justice. Maybe somebody better tell the screenplay writer, that defense lawyers defend the "guilty" and do not work for the State Prosecuter's Office, or even the Public Defender's office. If he accepts the case, and then acts as the Detective, he is immediately guilty of injustice to his client, and the viewer will immediately turn off.

However, for some reasons, I didn't turn it off. I was immediately fascinated by the absurdity of this plot. And the overacting. And the stupidity! Gary Oldman and the Lady Detective deserve the Overacting Raspberry award of the year! Their on screen interactions were ludicrous and hilarious at the same time!

Another reviewer mentioned that Gary Oldman has an American accent. I actually didn't know he was British when I first saw this movie, and fascinated with how well he could imitate a British accent in his other movies. Of course, I have since learned his country of origin, and am equally impressed with his American and British accents in many of his films. He truly is a glorious actor.

Even in this movie, he steals most of his scenes, and deserves credit for his wonderful acting. But the movie is awful, and not even he can save it!

If you want to laugh, try to find this on VHS, or even Laser Disc (I still have my copy) but DVD format seems to be up in the air at this time. But under no circumstances pay more than $1.25 for this tripe!

MC White said: Not even worth a rental. See if you can find it for free online.
June 26, 2006

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