Today’s quick review: Devil’s Advocate. Kevin Lomax (Keanu Reeves), a Florida defense lawyer with a legendary winning streak, gets called to the big leagues by John Milton (Al Pacino), the head of a wealthy New York City law firm. But as Kevin begins to understand the darker side of his new job, he finds that it could cost him his marriage, his scruples, and possibly even his soul.
The Devil’s Advocate is a drama with horror elements set against the backdrop of the upper echelons of the legal profession. The Devil’s Advocate features solid acting, an unsettling progression, and a strong premise. Kevin Lomax faces all manner of temptation from his influential boss and the money and power he commands. But these perks come at a price: his integrity, his peace of mind, and the life he once led.
The main draw of The Devil’s Advocate is its acting. Al Pacino lets loose with a powerful performance as the charismatic, morally dubious John Milton, coming across as immoral yet eerily trustworthy. Keanu Reeves straddles the line between everyman and legal shark, mirroring the conflict for Kevin’s soul. His performance in the courtroom scenes, his commanding presence, and his confrontation with Milton are highlights of the film.
These virtues are offset by a handful of flaws, many of which come down to taste. Horror fans looking for death, demons, and suffering will be kept waiting for a long time, while viewers looking for a simple drama will be upset when supernatural elements appear abruptly halfway through the film. Fans of the niche in between the genres will find the film tasty, but The Devil’s Advocate lacks the payoff of most dramas and the excitement of most horror flicks.
The film also misplays some of its strengths. Keanu Reeves’ character only gets a handful of moments to shine, turning what could have been an active, dynamic protagonist into a mere bystander. Charlize Theron does a good job as Kevin’s wife Mary Ann, but she follows his lead as a helpless victim to the horror aspects of the plot. Many of the smarter points in the movie also could have been achieved with greater impact without the crutch of horror.
Watch The Devil’s Advocate if you enjoy drama and have a taste for horror. The two lead actors are solid picks, but the downward spiral of events and gradual descent into the supernatural distract from what could have been a compelling moral drama. Horror fans may enjoy it as a high-pedigree, dramatic take on the genre, but others are better off steering clear.
7.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for a decent premise and good acting with a mishandled blend of genres.