Although
High Crimes didn't look good to me when I first saw the trailer, it seemed to
have enough going for it to be a successful thriller. After all, it stars the
dependable Morgan Freeman and was directed by the underrated Carl Franklin (One
False Move, Devil in a Blue Dress). Sadly, this movie is unable to rise above
standard fare.
In
the military thriller, Ashley Judd plays a successful lawyer, and Jim Caviezel
her military husband. The two are happy and in love, and are even trying to get
pregnant. Their lives take a turn for the worse when Caviezel is arrested for
war crimes that took place in El Salvador years before. Although she has never
defended a military trial before, Judd stands up for her husband, but it seems
that there are those who want to silence her. With the aid of an ex-military lawyer
(Freeman), Judd sets out to find the truth.
If
it weren't for the more than competent performances, High Crimes probably wouldn't
be worth mentioning. While I never once bought Judd as a lawyer in this picture,
I thought she was strong in the film's dramatic moments and admired her spunky
spirit. Freeman is an absolute pro and could do this stuff in his sleep. His burned-out,
alcoholic character is one that we've seen in countless other movies, but Freeman's
ability to underplay this over written role, makes this turn all the more human.
Caviezel is an interesting actor. He was terrific in The Count of Monte Cristo,
and I liked him here as well. This film relies on the audience sympathizing with
his character, and he pulls it off.
Director
Carl Franklin is a tremendous talent, although I much prefer him on an independent
platform. Here, we see more of the studio at work. Yes, High Crimes has a screenplay
that is mediocre at best, throwing in hints of Jagged Edge, Deceived and Just
Cause. While I'm sure that screenwriter Yuri Zeltser thinks he's being sly with
the twists in this picture, he didn't have me fooled at all. I don't think he'd
have the average movie fan fooled either. No, I knew where this movie was going,
the moment the plot set in.
It
is the dramatic element that makes this movie watchable. Freeman's bout with alcoholism
in particular. High Crimes treats this scenario in a unique and realistic manner.
I also felt the quiet moments between Judd and Caviezel rang true. Carl Franklin
is really good with his actors, and although he's showcased true craftmenship
with mystery before (One False Move is fabulous), High Crimes falls flat with
a lack of surprises, no real tension, and a total absence of logic.
