High Crimes (2002)

Admirable film.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

While watching "High Crimes" you can't just not fall in love with Ashley Judd. People have been saying it for years and now it's my turn: I'm telling you, the camera loves that woman. And besides her, Morgan Freeman is delivering in what might be one of the least demanding roles in his career.But the composition of the film falls way too short. Perhaps it's the fact that there are so many movies out there covering the same ground: sudden arrest, then court, pretty drama, unnecessary characters then filling the running time (to be specific, what is Amanda Peet actually doing here?), then courtrooms with typical types of personalities: the smart ones, the flat ones, the evil ones, the heroes and the judge. Everything is watchable for 2 and only reasons: Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman.By the time this movie got made, Mr. Freeman had the status of playing a cop-doctor (in the under-appreciated "Kiss the Girls" and "Along Came A Spider" as Alex Cross), so why not see him as a lawyer? I'm sold. His characters' words and ways in the movie are the only things exciting. Of course, perhaps you will wonder like I do, how is he recovering so easily from drunken status when the plot needs him to? Well, give the movie a credit, that's the least important mistake it makes.In general, I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys good but not great film-making. It never enlightens us with power and it can't give us the chills but it won't disappoint if you cut it some slack from the beginning. Perfect for a Friday night I guess.

High Crimes is a decent movie with a very well developed storyline and a great cast.I was expecting it to be more of a thriller,which it certainly wasn't,but it was still an enjoyable movie,mainly because of solid performances and very great character development,the movie does drag out a bit however and isn't completely interesting the whole time.Morgan Freeman was certainly the movies highlight,he delivered a brilliant performance like he always does and his character is certainly the most likable,Ashley Judd also did a terrific job,I've complained about her acting before in Kiss the Girls,but she had certainly improved between the gap of these movies and the character was more suited for her.The thing that bothered me the most about this movie is that the "big twist " at the end was really predictable,the writers were clearly expecting it to shock the audience but it was obvious this would happen about a half hour in to the film.Predictable but still enjoyable,High Crimes is a good movie that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good crime film. A woman must uncover national security secrets to clear her husband,accused of war crimes in El Salvador.Best Performance: Morgan Freeman Worst Performance: Jim Caviezel

Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd, after starring in 1997's Kiss the Girls, reunite in this story about powerful attorney Claire Kubik (Judd), who finds her husband Tom Kubik (Jim Caviezel) arrested for the murder of Latin American villagers while he was in the Marines, with the name of Sgt. Ron Chapman. Claire teams up with Charlie Grimes (Freeman) to navigate through the military justice system in attempts to clear Tom, all while dealing with the deaths of key eyewitnesses.Like Kiss the Girls, this movie is full of mystery and tension that will captivate an audience and keep the movie's pace going strong despite its simple and predictable plot. Freeman is a calm yet dynamic actor, which is perfect in his role as he teams up once again with Judd, who herself gave an energetic and dramatic performance in her attorney role. Jim Caviezel gave a strong and mysterious performance as the accused Tom, whose unknown background will leave the audience guessing.With some good suspense and tension, it's a worthy courtroom drama for a popcorn movie night.Grade B-

Yes, the title is a bit generic but this film warrants more than one viewing and Morgan Freeman is excellent (as he usually is).Ashley Judd is Claire Kubik married to former Marine, Jim Caviezel. It starts predictably with the happy married couple trying to have a baby, so I see where some may tune out at this point, but it gets better. There are some nice shots of San Francisco and Oakland where Claire practices law.Early into the film, her husband is arrested by the FBI in an overblown scene and charged with 8 murders in Mexico. Military law is not her expertise so her lawyer at the firm recommends attorney Grimes (Freeman).He is a recovering alcoholic and formerly a stellar attorney. He knows all the loopholes and teaches Claire a few in court. There are flashbacks to scenes in Monte Azul where in 1988 several murders took place in South America and there was a military cover-up. A few officers with actors like Michael Shannon and others have bit parts. Amanda Peet is Claire's sister Jackie, and gives the story some comic relief. Breuce Davison is also good as the nefarious General who knows the true facts.Normally the film would be an 8 but Morgan Freeman elevates the performances here and is believable as a man who has "hit zero" too many times and now must make a comeback. Claire learns a few disturbing truths as well, her life is changed for the better, though she endures a miscarriage and murder attempts as she is defending her husband during the murder trial.Overall a definite must see for anyone who likes a decent story, and Morgan Freeman. 9/10.