Genres

Visitors Review

Sherazade 2012-05-25 06:38:29

A Gem in a world of crap we've been subjected to by recent Hollywood

Ignore the other bad reviews, the people who rated it badly couldn'tand wouldn't know a good movie even with a flash light and a map. I'mpretty sure they are the same idiots who rated 'The Transformers', 'MaxPayne', 'Gamer', 'Bounty Hunter' and 'The Ugly Truth' highly, just toname a few. So what if this film was low budget? It was very well actedand without the fuss of snooty over-paid so-called A-listers and stupidCGI pyrotechnics. This film keeps you guessing until the very end,entertains you and makes you think. So, if you did think it was crapthen heed the last words uttered by Amber Tamblyn's character at theend of it.

bkoganbing 2012-05-24 18:04:16

Push The Jury Into Conviction

Probably those who have seen and reviewed this new version of Beyond AReasonable Doubt already know how this will play out and the suspenseis killed. It certainly was that way for me.The 2009 Beyond A Reasonable Doubt has one thing to recommend it beyondthe 1956 one. In that first one it was as an academic exercise thatDana Andrews put himself in harm's way, getting himself convicted ofmurder and then trying to free himself. In this one ambitiousinvestigative reporter Jesse Metcalf has trained his sites on theDistrict Attorney in Shreveport, Louisiana where this is filmed.Michael Douglas has been winning a whole lot of cases on the strengthof DNA evidence offhandedly found at crime scenes. His winning streakhas people looking at him to be the next governor of Louisiana.To get his story Metcalf has himself framed for the murder of a junkieprostitute and plants evidence that lead the Shreveport cops right tohim. Sure enough planted DNA evidence shows up to push the jury intoconviction. Now to get his story, but some unforeseen complications doarise which if you've seen the 1956 version you have some idea whatthey are.Amber Tamblyn in an adult role does a fine job as Metcalf's girlfriendand one who works in the District Attorney's office. I saw a lot oftraces of Michael Douglas's father in his performance, more than Inormally catch when watching this film. Best supporting role is that ofJoel David Moore as Metcalf's luckless cameraman who is the only otherone who knows what Metcalf is trying to do.What this version of Beyond A Reasonable Doubt missed the most was thetension building direction of Fritz Lang. That was something that couldnot be replaced.

2012-05-16 03:08:06

SUCKS -- DA CHICK IS LIKE 19 YEARS OLD

WTFCOULDN'T GET A BETTER ACTRESS. SOMEONE WHO IS ATLEAST OLD ENOUGH TO BUY BEER. SHE IS LIKE 19 AND A DA. GIMME A *****ING BREAK.

2012-05-15 15:16:34

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt - Anchor Bay Entertainment

I have to be sincere here: I have never seen neither the original 1956 RKO movie from which this remake was made from, nor the remake itself. But I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" kept me interested from beginning to end, and it is truly what a great suspense film should be all about.C.J. Nicholas (Jesse Metcalfe) is a young, ambitious reporter, who has been investigating Mark Hunter (Michael Douglas), a powerful District Attorney who is running for Governor. He believes that Hunter wins all his conviction trials by fabricating evidence. However, C.J.'s boss informs him that the budget for investigative reporters has been cut due to low ratings, and that he has been dumped to do general assignments. Not happy with his editor's decision, he takes upon himself to proceed with Hunter's investigation, convinced that this case will make him famous and win him a Pulitzer Prize. For this purpose, he recruits Corey Finley (Joel Moore) -- his friend and colleague -- to help him in his research. He also romances Ella Crystal (Amber Tamlyn), a young attorney that works with Hunter, and unknowingly enlists her to assist him to get her boss. Unbeknown to C.J., he is in for the ride of his life. So do we.Ably directed by Peter Hyams, who can do great suspense films, and was also responsible for "The Star Chamber" (1983), one of my all-time favorite thrillers, "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" delivers until the last second. Curiously, Michael Douglas also starred in "The Star Chamber." The DVD also includes audio commentaries by Hyams and Metcalfe, making-of documentary and more. (USA, 2009, color, 105 min plus additional materials)Reviewed by senior writer Eric Gonzalez for [...]on December 21, 2009.

rskjc 2012-05-15 14:17:38

A Disappointing Joke

Really--I would be embarrassed to be associated with this movie! I wasinitially intrigued by the basic plot, but as the movie unfolded Ifound myself groaning over the poor dialog, disconnected characterpersonalities and unconvincing acting. The premise of the movie was sogood, but the details and execution, oh so poor. The soundtrack waslaughable as the key subject in the film went from store to storefinding the "evidence" that was to be used against him in court. Theending was painful to watch. The dramatic "twist" of the plot at theend was so ill conceived it came across not as an "ah-ha" moment, but a"you've got to be kidding me" moment. The overly dramatic "F-You" atthe end was probably the worst ending moment of a film I've ever seen.Save the one dollar you'll spend at Redbox.

eoinej 2012-05-14 19:29:42

Thankyou Michael Douglas

Fantastic story and plot, pathetic acting. What could have been was notand for me this just about achieves a TV afternoon thriller rating.Saved only by a sterling performance by Michael Douglas in portrayingsomeone who could have counted Gordon Gecko as a friend.Sadly, Michael's efforts only serve to highlight lame attempts ataction, drama and humor from the rest of the cast as they blunderthrough a great story, sorely wasted, even trivialized in places. Andsomehow, even the settings seem low budget and artificial although theyobviously are not. Much blame must lie with the director, but theunconvincing portrayals of the other main characters must be due to thecast as well. Watch out for a tired late night policeman and an older,female bank official for some great lesser cameos however.The story is so good that I would gladly watch another remake althoughthis version is in itself a "spoiler". Let the French do it next time!!Watch this movie, but don't pay.

Newt Rox 2012-05-11 17:50:19

So, so... and not believable

********* SPOILERS **********I thought this film was acceptable. Since the date-time information that the DVD served as digital backupof was easy to procure by other means, what was the importance of theDVD? The receipts for the articles - the knife, mask, shoes, clothes,dog, etc., or testimony from any of the counter-persons involved couldcorroborate the times of purchase. But, even added to the the DVD,would this have been a legal defense? Even with the buddy's testimonythat this was planned beforehand, wouldn't that have been insufficientevidence by evidentiary standards? Because in the end we know it wasn'tenough for the truth. Substantial plot flaw, I thought. And in the end,the assistant D.A. was a better investigator than the investigativereporter.There were other parts of the movie involving the prison stay were abit unbelievable and unnecessary, but the the DVD was the worst.

2012-05-11 11:44:31

A Movie Worth Seeing

This review is from: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) This movie is worth your time to watch. We would definitely recommend it to others

cmoyton 2012-05-07 17:22:24

Clichéd but entertaining

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt is a reasonable courtroom/corruption thrillerthat despite its shortcomings kept me entertained until the creditsrolled. Amber Tamblyn and Joel David Mooore are both appear together asthey did in the awful movie Spiral and although Moore does quirky againit is not as annoying. Plus his character is bumped off before the halfway mark.Comparisons can be made against the 1956 original (which is a goodmovie itself)and i did not have any issue with the contemporaryupdates. As in most movies clichés abound and characters make stupidmistakes. The CJ Nicholas character despite his meticulous planning iscareless with the evidence DVD solely entrusting it to his journalistcollege (played by Moore) so that when Moore is murdered the key pieceof evidence is lost. Perhaps this can be excused by the arrogant andcocksure personality traits that make up Nichloas' character. Then ofcourse if he proved his case against the corrupt district attorney hedoes not go to prison and we have one very short movie. The corruptattorney is played effortlessly by Michael Douglas. He exudes menacewithout even trying.I disagree with other negative comments posted regarding the direction,editing, quality of acting and movie ending all of which are fine.

Casey A 2012-05-07 12:36:16

Did we watch the same movie?

I don't know what other reviewers were watching, because I thought this was a great movie. One of the best I've seen in a while. The plot was outstanding: great twist and very well thought-out. My family and I talked about this movie for hours afterwards, and we even watched it again the next day. I admit that the very last line of the movie was kind of lame, but besides that it was great. Highly recommended.

2012-05-05 02:44:24

Unexpected Outcome

This movie was really good and the story line is not always what I thought was obvious. I can't believe some of the bad press this film is getting.

tedg 2012-05-04 09:50:35

Fixing, after the Fact

Here is a project for film students: take this film, a loser, and makea great movie from it. I think I would add new footage about the hiddenstory here (the hooker), present the thing nonlinearly, shift thenarrator and the stance of at least two of them and add a new score. Wewould have to add a lot of situated shots to add texture to theenvironment so that you cannot be sure that every single thing you seewill be an essential clue.I am convinced that this could be an important film because the idea isso well conceived.We have the story the film presents, which I suggests can be repairedafter the fact. It will feature a story about a DA who fixes storiesafter the fact. The details of both of these stories (the ones withoutand within the film) are that the power of the story is served byartificial enhancement. (The DA enhances his conviction rate byfabricating evidence, proved in photographic images.)So far so good. These stories are carried by a third, anotherdetective, this time an investigative reporter. He is trying toconfound and reveal both the DA and the film's viewers by deceivingthem. There are details here that mix his confounding of their"artificial" narrative enhancements with one he delivered in a previousmovie and which is now threatened. This story is the one that I suggestbe enhanced. It references a prostitute which is already in the zone ofartificial narrative; this woman has been a co-conspirator in the sameway the viewer is tricked into being.There is more: we have a fifth detective (actually a sixth) whounravels everything at the end. She also is an investigator. She alsois entrapped in a prostitution of sorts.Pretty good, huh?Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

2012-05-01 16:23:43

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

I'm not sure why such negative reviews from some as this is similar to the original classic with a few new twists. I suppose these same people hated The Firm and Runaway Jury (Widescreen Edition) as they showed corruption in the legal system as well. I went in expecting nothing and I felt the acting, directing, production values, music, and camera work were all excellent. Anyone that enjoys thrillers or courtroom movies will probably find this entertaining. When a reporter believes that a lawyer is manufacturing evidence, it shows just how far he may go to prove it.CA Luster

2012-05-01 14:12:53

No one is about suspicious!

The fallibility of circumstantial evidence is the central nerve of this classic Noir directed by Fritz Lang in 1956 and starred by Dana Andrews and Joan Fontaine by then. In this opportunity, the talented and veteran director Peter Hyams (2010, and Capricorn one) returned at last and made a notable adaptation of this classic of the genre, with his accustomed stylistic refinement and undeniable artistic solvency. What it begins as an apparent sluggish mystery melodrama in which a greedy journalist (who overtly wishes to win the Pulitzer) turns into a real tour de force Noir in which nothing is like it seems and obviously no one is absolute innocent, a basic tenet of this genre in which the reality isn't neither black nor white but grayish.The magisterial camera handle of Hyams and the spectacular rhythm of the plot makes a solid modern Noir, which proves this genre is still alive (thanks God) preserving us from the techno exhibition so common in these times.

2012-04-29 14:33:49

A suspense gem

WOW! What an ending! On that note, I'll calm down and give my decidedly biased review of this movie - biased because I've just finished watching it and still have chills running down my spine. The main actors, Jesse Metcalfe and Amber Tamblyn, are not major stars, but they carry the story very well. Jesse plays an ambitious newscaster, and Amber is the D.A.'s assistant. The big name, Michael Douglas, is, of course, the corrupt D.A., although he doesn't see a lot of screentime in this movie. The plot has already been discussed, so I'll just add that Jesse and Amber are in a lot of frightening situations, and they grab the viewer's sympathies so well that you will find yourself actively rooting for them and hoping that their enemies die soon enough to save the good guys. However, things are never exactly what they seem, which is what makes this such a good suspense movie. The beginning is rather slow, hence my 4-star rating, but aside from the first half-hour or so, this movie is, as they say, pulse-pounding. Solidly recommended.

2012-04-29 00:13:59

Dupe That DVD please 10 Times!

If a dvd depends on proving your innocence, don't you think that you would burn at least 10 copies of it, and make sure you have one dvd or two in your pocket at the time of the trial? The chase to get the dvd made me turn over at the stupidity of it all. Nevertheless, it's a movie worth watching because it's got a good surprise ending. This is a remake and updated story of an old movie from the 50's with the same title. Don't be so hard on the actors, they did an okay job. And besides the movie producers have to pay Mr Douglas out of their own pockets if the dvd sales don't measure up. You should see this movie because in all honesty it's not really that all bad.

2012-04-26 21:21:07

Great Movie Ignore the negatives

Very entertaining movie - I enjoyed the suspense and drama of the movie. Michael Douglas is so true to his profession. He gives a class A performance as does Amber Tamblyn in as their DA and ADA repectively. Jesse Metcalfe's role was really done well as he lights up the screen with his investigative journalism digs into Douglas' background. I believe this is a must see movie as it is definitely a keeper. I am really glad I purchased it. This movie does not disappoint.

malka 2012-04-26 13:30:37

thriller with a twist at the end

a movie that starts with a plot and ends with a twistfrom the beginning of the movie till the very end not even one dull momentit makes you think how easy it is to fool the sysytem,not only the legal system but also to fool people around youfor people who like to watch a movie not only because of the actors but who are ready to look behind the acts and words and wo will observe the details.......

2012-04-26 06:11:34

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

This review is from: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (DVD) My husband and I enjoyed this movie. The plot had a lot of twists and turns, and neither of us guessed the ending - which is always a plus because I don't like predictable movies.

Nat Williams 2012-04-26 00:07:38

Plot full of holes, plus acting full of nothing equals bad movie

Gee, let's see... 1. Why didn't C.J.'s defense attorney subpoena C.J.'sboss at the TV station, who would have told the jury that C.J. had beenpushing a story about the DA planting evidence? That would have atleast put reasonable doubt in the jurors' minds. 2. Michael Douglaswarns C.J. that prison phone calls are monitored (duh...). Butapparently his flunky co-conspirator detective wasn't aware thatparking garages serving the DA's office would probably be videotaped.Besides, the donut-creating "terror" scene was stupid. 3. C.J. wassmart enough to develop a brilliant plot involving a fake interviewthat earned him a journalism award, but so dumb he gives his girlfrienda copy so that she could later make the connection between his fakestory and the murder. Take these mistakes, throw in some poor actingand a totally unnecessary car chase and you have "Beyond a ReasonableDoubt." Better yet, don't watch the movie in the first place, and saveyourself an hour and a half.