Review of The Client (1994) by Normie P — 13 May 2008
The exceptionally fine cast--Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones, J.T. Walsh, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony Edwards, William H. Macy, Anthony LaPaglia, Ossie Davis, and Brad Renfro--goes a long way toward making The Client one of the more solidly enjoyable screen adaptations of a John Grisham southern Gothic legal thriller.
Teen-heartthrob Renfro is a natural, playing a kid whose life is in jeopardy after he witnesses the death of a Mob lawyer. Susan Sarandon is the attorney who decides to look after the boy; nobody can match her when it comes to playing strong and protective maternal figures (Thelma and Louise, Lorenzo's Oil, Dead Man Walking).
Sarandon won her fourth Oscar nomination as best actress for this role, before finally winning the following year for Dead Man Walking. Author Grisham was so impressed with former window dresser/fashion designer/screenwriter-turned-director Joel Schumacher's work on this movie that he later asked him to direct A Time to Kill.
Young Brad Renfro also gives a commendable performance as Mark Sway. He manages to create quite a complex character. Susan Sarandon received an Oscar nomination for her role as tough lawyer Reggie. She completely transforms into the character and brings a lot of depth to the film.
Tommy Lee Jones, Anthony Edwards, and Will Patton also bring life and authenticity to their characters. he Client strains credulity way too far. Basically, The Client jumps the shark, which is tough to do in a two hour movie.
The movie?s seemingly smart main characters are forced to do idiotic things, such as heading out to dig up a body hidden in a mafia hideaway. Ridiculous and totally unbelievable coincidences abound throughout.
This review of The Client (1994) was written by Normie P on 13 May 2008.
The Client has generally received positive reviews.
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