Review of ...And Justice for All (1979) by Matt G — 15 Aug 2009

Is this film sensationalistic? Absurd and preachy? Over-the-top, with one of the most unrealistic courtroom scenes to boot? Is it worth it, even with all the problems? Yes on all counts. To be honest this film is a big large, speechifying mess that is trying to so desperately be Serpico mixed with the persona of Dog Day Afternoon.

I mean the title just evokes them trying to batter us with a message. They got some good ingredients, including, Pacino, Jewison, and the underrated Jack Warden. Too bad the script is what the problem is with this film.

While, it does show have some good light moments, an interesting, but surface level relationship between Lahti and Pacino, and some really great touching scenes where Pacino tries to help his down and out clients, and one of the greatest reversals in a film ever, but the film belabored by many other ridiculous things and subplots.

Including an unnecessary helicopter scene with Warden and Pacino, one of Pacino's clients in a hostage scene, another who hangs himself, a weird subplot of Warden being suicidal, and Jeffrey Tambor who goes "crazy" and throws plates in the courtroom corridors.

I wish I was joking. But really the reason is to see it is Pacino, even though he's on autopilot and the famous final scene. Besides, that check out The Verdict, Serpico, and Dog Day Afternoon over this any day.