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- The Devil's Advocate - US DVD -

Tagline:-

"The newest attorney at the world's most powerful law firm has never lost a case. 
But he's about to lose his soul."

Synopsis:-

'Kevin Lomax' is a hot shot lawyer from Florida with no lost cases, 64 winning verdicts. 
'John Milton's Law Company' retains his services in New York. 'Lomax's' mother is really 
religious. 'Lomax' moves to New York with his wife. 'Lomax's' career takes off. His wife 
becomes friends with 'Milton's' employees' wives and she starts seeing their true form 
and can't handle it. 
'Eddie Barzoon' is the head of the firm and is hiding secrets about the company. 
'Weaver' is a government agent investigating 'Milton's' firm. 
'Alexander Cullen' is accused of murder of his wife, stepson, and maid. 'Lomax' is set 
to defend 'Cullen' and finds out what the true nature of 'John Milton' is all about. He 
also finds out about his past, from his mother. The truth is shocking as Hell!

Story/plot:-

The plot is fairly complex with several side stories going on with the other characters. 
The plot concerning 'Kevin Lomax' is the main one. It's full of intriguing mysteries but 
most can figure out the key fact from the title. Not too original but it works well. The 
acting makes up for any slack. The plot is pretty tigh-knit with few, if any holes.

Atmosphere:-

The atmosphere is of the heated arguing of the courtroom and the flashy, rushed life of 
high-paid lawyers. 'Kevin Lomax' is seduced by his new found boss's ('John Milton') wealth, 
through his salary, dinners, parties with high-ranking people, call girls and power amongst
other things. So we've a sense of building corruption and sinful acts. Most of it takes 
place in the fast-paced hustle and bustle of New York City.

Cast/characters:-

Keanu Reeves plays 'Kevin Lomax,' the hotshot Florida attorney who never knew his father. 
He's never lost a case. 'Milton' hires him for his mysterious firm. Keanu plays the role 
very well. He shows plenty of emotion. 
Al Pacino plays 'John Milton,' owner of a huge law firm in New York. Is he just a shrewd 
and cunning businessman or is he more than he seems? 
Veteran and versatile Al Pacino is tailor-fit to this role. Every movement, word, and 
nuance is perfectly executed. He's the star of the movie and proves it.
Charlize Theron plays Mary Ann Lomax,' the wife of 'Kevin Lomax.' 'John Milton' tries to 
corrupt her through the "wives" of the other law firm members. 
'John Milton' seduces her as well. She sees through the illusion.
Jeffrey Jones plays 'Eddie Barzoon,' top executive of 'Milton's' firm. He is good at his 
job but suspicious of 'Milton.' He's used to being in charge and hates when 'Milton' 
undermines his authority. It becomes too much for him and he wants out but, not before 
attempting to take the firm down with him. Jeffrey Jones plays sufficiently well. 
Personally, I didn't find him all that believable considering his past roles but he's 
passable.
Judith Ivey plays 'Mrs. Alice Lomax,' the mother of 'Kevin Lomax.' She's a staunch religious 
woman who has a grave secret.
Craig T. Nelson plays 'Alexander Cullen,' frequent and long-term client of 'John Milton.' 
His latest problem now is that he is accused of murder of his wife, stepson, and maid. 
He gets, at the insistence of 'Milton,' 'Lomax' as his attorney and claims that he was 
sleeping with his secretary at the time of the murders. But is he being truthful? 
Craig T. Nelson is always fun to watch. He's good in most roles and offers a down-to-Earth 
a personality which warms up to the viewers. He's great in this role as the accused murderer 
who claims his innocence every step of the way.
Vyto Ruginis plays 'Weaver,' the government agent investigating 'Milton's' firm for years.
Laura Harrington plays 'Melissa Black,' 'Alexander Cullen's' secretary and supposed mistress. 
She's 'Cullen's' only alibi because she says she was sleeping with 'Cullen' at the time of 
the murders.

Cinematography:-

Pretty standard clear cinematography. The ending has a few special shots.

FX, sound, etc:-

The SFX are mainly CGI-based. Not overly done though so it adds to the story. The sound and 
music are adequate.

Final Thoughts:-
 
This is a good film for fans of all genres. It does have some horror aspects with the devil 
and all but it's more of a suspense mystery revolving around the devil. I recommend it to 
horror fans as well. In a way, it's vaguely similar to "Rosemary's Baby" with a few twists. 
Pacino is great as usual. One of Reeve's better role. The rest of the cast are great as well.

DVD Features:-

Director's commentary, deleted scenes with commentary, additional background information 
(tons of great stuff).

One complaint:- 

The deleted scenes all contain commentary, so you can't hear the actual deleted scenes and 
post-production.

4/5 stars

Reviewed By Wolf By Night

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