Review of True Crime (1999) by Grant S — 02 May 2012

OK, but not one of Clint Eastwood's best as a director, and certainly below-standard acting wise. Plot is fairly predictable and unoriginal. Eastwood handles the human relationship side with his usual warmth and sensitivity, but even he cannot breath life into a fairly ordinary story.

In addition, Eastwood seems miscast as the lead actor. He seemed too old for the part, and his actions inconsistent, eg curmudgeony reporter (which suits his usual performances), yet devoted to his daughter, yet also a womaniser.

Supporting cast are great though. Isaiah Washington is perfect as Frank Beachum. James Woods and Denis Leary pretty much play the kinds of roles they usually play, and do it to great effect here.

Having read the script, Eastwood should have given this the skip, both as director and actor. However, he is also credited as a producer, so he had a say in the development and production of the movie. Shows that even the great Clint Eastwood makes mistakes from time to time...