The Devil's Advocate- Review

I've recently come up with a list of movies that I need to watch and this was one of them, obviously because it's a Keanu Reeves movie. Believe me, nothing stressed me out more than this film and we'll get to that later. The Devil's Advocate was directed by Taylor Hackford and featured the talents of Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino and Charlize Theron.

The basic synopsis of this movie follows a fresh-faced attorney, Kevin Lomax, who has never lost a case and scrambles for clients in a small town in Florida. To celebrate winning another case, Kevin and his wife Mary Ann go out to the bar. It is there that Kevin meets a man who makes an offer he can't refuse if he is willing to move to New York and join another legal firm. Strange and unexplainable events begin to unfold as the once religious-based Kevin begins to abandon his faith.

The performances: Keanu Reeves once again delivers a believable and respectable role in his part as Kevin Lomax. As always, I was so fixated on his performance and was awed by how he never strayed from his character or the plot. I particularly like when Keanu takes on roles in movies that are supernatural, psychologically disturbing or thrillers. He just has that ability to adapt to it so well and it was great to see that he was able to do that again. Obviously he's my favourite actor for a reason and in no way is he underrated, but man, he's on a whole other level. Al Pacino plays the role of John Milton. Now I can't give too much away about his character because his role literally is everything for this movie but again, another amazing actor for this movie. John Milton is the head of the firm and takes an immediate liking to Kevin, showering him in riches that took many other people within the firm a long time to earn. A little bit of cliché in his role, however, as the high-end businessman with money, a cocky attitude and women hanging off both arms. The cliché does appear necessary though and further creates character building as to how John Milton operates socially. I was happy to see Al deliver again so successfully and really appreciated the non-verbal acting as a brooding but generous stranger.

Finally, Charlize Theron as Mary Ann. She's so beautiful isn't she? I think her appearance aided her in this role, as a blonde and curly haired, soft-skinned betty from Florida. But acting isn't just based on physical appearance. I must say, she was essential for this movie but I needed her acting to be a little more believable. Don't get me wrong, she did a good job but I don't really think that thriller/ horror based films are her forte. Anyway, her role as Mary Ann was quite a disturbing one and she is the first to notice the strange occurrences unfolding in front of her very eyes. Again, a little cliché here as the woman who sees things but no one believes but that's just how it rolls.

The cons: Okay so there are just a few issues with this film. In a few scenes there are some creepy, demonic faces that are meant to give you a little scare but considering this was from 20 years ago and our effects in cinema have now adapted, these could be seen as a little cheesy. Also, you don't give CPR to someone with an open wound around the respiratory area. Take note people.

So, back to me saying this movie stressed me out: hell yeah it did. So having creepy religious based undertones in movies scares the shit out of me. I just don't like it at all. That doesn't mean that I didn't like the movie, but I found that to be the most disturbing thing. When it started getting intense I began to panic. Especially at the ending too. The entire time this movie had me saying "what the fuck?!" When the movie had finished, I had a panic attack. I'm not even kidding, there was so much going on and the fact that I was still creeped out really didn't help. Maybe it didn't have the same effect on you guys but a few people I spoke to agreed with me. I don't believe that was a flaw in the movie either, but afterwards I had to pace around the house for a bit (when I managed to regain breath). Maybe that could even be a successful reaction if that was the original vision from Taylor Hackford. Either way, I was on edge the entire time.

If you're a fan of Keanu, like me or you're in need of something to watch that delivers, consider this one as an option.

Score: 8.5/10

Rating: R18+